A COACH company has said it hopes to return East Lothian schoolchildren from a school trip to the west coast of Scotland "at the earliest opportunity" as the Beast from the East snow storm caused transport chaos.

Some pupils from Windygoul Primary School, Tranent, are currently at the Benmore outdoor education centre, near Dunoon.

Dunbar-based Eve Coaches, scheduled to bring the children home, posted an update on the situation on its Facebook page yesterday evening. (THU)

It said: "Coaches on the ferry to Dunoon and will stay overnight there.

"Weather permitting we will collect your children at 10 o clock tomorrow Friday and have them home for between 1 and 2. We will post an update tomorrow to give an ETA at the school."

The company had earlier posted: "To all concerned parents, we will only make the journey to Benmore to return your children home when the window of road conditions permits.

"We are in communication with Benmore and the school's headteacher Bruce Murray to assist with this.

"The safety of your children and our drivers are of paramount [importance] and the possibility of an extended stay at Benmore is a safe option if necessary.

"However, we aim to have them home at the earliest opportunity. Please revisit the facebook page for further updates."

East Lothian Council said they were in contact with the head teacher about today's plans.

A spokesperson said: "The council is liaising with the Head Teacher who is on the trip and a decision to travel will be made  on the basis it is safe to do so."