A threatened strike was averted last week after protracted negotiations.

The company's 1,300 workers agreed to a 10% pay rise after a ballot on Tuesday.

However, because the majority was so narrow, the result may be challenged.

The majority of drivers accepted the deal

According to trade union sources the vote on Lothian Buses' revised offer was 548 to 521 in favour of the deal - a majority of 27.

Lothian Buses is the east of Scotland's biggest bus operator, with routes concentrated in and around Edinburgh.

It normally has about 500 vehicles on the road during weekday peak periods.

Company representatives have been negotiating with the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) since last March about a new wage deal.

'Difficult issue'

A spokesman for Lothian Buses said: "The majority of drivers have accepted that level of the revised offer.

"We are pleased that this difficult issue has been resolved and we look to the future, intent on promoting the best possible service to our customers."

Speaking before the result was declared, Peter Williamson, branch chair of TGWU in Edinburgh, said it was "the best offer we are going to get".

"It's a 10% rise over two years but crucially there's no extra productivity strings attached - our members won't have to work longer hours."