A rival operator has confirmed it will run night buses in Glasgow and Renfrewshire after First Bus announced it was pulling out.

McGill’s will start five night services in and around the city later this month days after First is due to take its buses off the road.

First Bus sparked anger last month when it revealed the 11 services it operated would be axed.

It has now been agreed it will retain four night bus services in the city.

Hospitality bosses and workers said it would hit efforts to encourage trade and recruit and retain staff.

McGill’s will now start five services on August 25.

It has confirmed the following services:

N3 from City Centre to Shawlands, Thornliebank, Nitshill and Pollok.

N4 from City Centre to Shawlands, Eastwood and Newton Mearns.

N6 from City Centre to  Anniesland, Scotstoun and Clydebank.

N38 from City Centre to Ibrox and Paisley.

N60 from City Centre to Maryhill and Drumchapel.

They will run on Fridays and Saturdays between 00:15 and 03:45.

McGill’s added that it intends to build upon its initial provision to extend the service beyond two nights a week in future.

Ralph Roberts, CEO of McGill’s Group, said: “Buses are vital to the success of Glasgow and we’ve been striving to find a solution that serves the night-time economy, residents and visitors.

“We’re delighted to be announcing an initial five night-time bus routes that will be run by McGill’s serving the city.

“McGill’s Group has been in discussions with Glasgow businesses to understand the issues they have been facing with transport and we have also deployed our management and staff overnight to the city centre to examine what measures Glasgow City Council could take on roads and streets to help buses deliver a better service for passengers.

"Our intention is to build our night-time services in future and work with the council and businesses to help achieve that.

“There will be a range of ticket options available on night-time services, including discounts for regular users and McGill’s ticket holders, and we will announce more details on that shortly.”

First Bus has been contacted.