WE’RE all familiar with the saying: ‘You wait ages for a bus and then three come along at once. . .”

Now an entrepreneurial farmer has taken that phrase and made it his own by transforming three buses into holiday accommodation on his farm.

Balfour Stewart, of Bankrugg Farm, between Gifford and East Saltoun, has unveiled his new ‘staycation’ holiday accommodation in the form of ‘The Bus Stop’.

The unusual properties are made up of two single-decker buses, with a double-decker bus being converted in time for next year’s tourist season.

Mr Stewart said: “As a bus enthusiast, with a small collection of old and vintage buses, I was delighted the local planning department shared our vision and felt bold enough to approve our rather novel proposal to turn these into accommodation for a new holiday business.”

The ambitious and unusual plans were submitted to East Lothian Council in January last year.

Then, in April, the local authority gave the scheme the green light, with work well and truly on the right track.

The proposals, which were described in a supporting statement as “well-designed”, and as taking “necessary cognisance of the site’s surroundings”, also seek to transform a disused stable block into a small farm larder.

Guests will ultimately be provided with essentials such as local produce, wine, beer, ice cream, milk, bread and eggs (freshly laid on the farm), home-baking and wool products from the farm’s own alpacas.

With a glass roof allowing holiday makers to sleep under the stars, each bus will include a wood-burning stove, creating a cosy atmosphere on the cooler nights, and a wood-fired hot tub on a private decking area.

Balfour, along with partner Elaine and son Sandy, commissioned the conversion of two single-decker buses to provide special rural retreats which have been hand-crafted by son-in-law Jason Baker, of Good With Wood.

Angus Dodds, of Savills planning team, who advised Mr Stewart on the project, said: “This has been one of the most enjoyable and creative projects I have had the pleasure of working on.

“The initial bus has already seen its first visitors and the second will be ready in time for the schools autumn holiday – it’s wonderful to see the plans become reality.”