Livingston FC has secured a fourth free supporters’ coach for its trip to Arbroath, after the three buses supplied by the club filled up within days. The additional vehicle, funded by the club’s long-standing kit supplier, will add 33 spaces for travelling fans to attend the fixture at Gayfield on Saturday 29 August.
What the extra coach means for Gayfield
The gesture by The Soccer Shop:Direct increases the number of visiting supporters who can travel on organised club transport and will likely raise the visiting contingent at Gayfield. The club says those using the fourth coach will receive the same matchday package as on the original buses: free travel, a hot-filled morning roll and a free drink token.
- Coach capacity: 33 additional places
- Departure from Almondvale (Stadium): 12.30pm on Saturday 29 August
- Alternative pick-up: Saltire Bar, Carmondean at 12.15pm
- Almondvale Suite opening: 11.00am for bus travellers
- Booking contact: Emma Fairlie via email Emma-black@live.co.uk
The Soccer Shop:Direct’s involvement is described by club channels as a response to the rapid demand for travel arrangements. Andrew Barrowman of The Soccer Shop said the company wanted to support more fans in making the journey and to acknowledge the continued patronage it receives from Livingston supporters.
“We were really keen to help with this and give more supporters the opportunity to make the trip to Arbroath,” said Andrew Barrowman.
Practical details for those travelling and for Arbroath residents
Supporters planning to use the free coach must contact the club to reserve a place, providing their full name, contact number and chosen pick-up point (Saltire or Stadium). The club has reiterated that under-18s may only travel when accompanied by a responsible adult.
For Arbroath residents and local businesses, an increased visiting supporter's presence can affect traffic and parking around Gayfield on matchday. Gayfield is tightly hemmed in by the town’s streets; an influx of organised coach arrivals tends to concentrate activity on surrounding roads and at the ground entrances. Local publicans, shops and transport operators frequently see a matchday uplift when visiting fans arrive, while traffic management and stewarding are coordinated by the club and local authorities to maintain safety and flow.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Additional coach capacity | 33 places |
| Primary departure | Almondvale Suite (Home of the Set) — 12.30pm |
| Secondary pick-up | Saltire Bar, Carmondean — 12.15pm |
| Almondvale Suite opening | 11.00am |
Arbroath supporters can expect slightly higher visiting numbers than initially anticipated. While 33 additional fans will not transform the overall attendance profile, it is a visible boost for both clubs’ atmospheres and for matchday revenue in the town.
Livingston supporters wishing to secure a place should contact Emma Fairlie as instructed by the club. The additional coach operates on the same terms as the previous buses, and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
Local residents seeking information about matchday arrangements — including road closures and stewarding plans — should consult Arbroath FC or Angus Council channels closer to the fixture. Both clubs typically work with local authorities to ensure matchday safety and minimise disruption to residents.
The additional coach underlines how commercial partners can play a practical role in supporter access to away matches, and it offers a modest but tangible link between the sponsor, club and travelling fanbase ahead of the game at Gayfield.
