THE SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM - 1999 STAGECOACH EXTRAVAGANZA
Stagecoach hosted the prestigious
Scottish Business Achievements Awards Trust lunch and presentation this year,
and where better than at Lathalmond? Last year, KwikFit
were the hosts and Holyrood was the venue, but
Stagecoach, true to form, opted for something completely different.
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The
timetable of events was as follows:- Friday, 11 June: A steam train departed
from Edinburgh's Waverley Station for Dunfermline, where it was met by a
fleet of vintage buses (right) which transported the 400 guests to
Lathalmond, arriving at 12 noon. Lunch and presentations, attended by HRH
Princess Anne, senior dignitaries and politicians followed, with dispersal at
3:30 p.m. in Stagecoach 'bendi-buses'. |
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One
of the fleet was HGM 335 E, a Bristol FLF, which I understand belongs to
Brian Souter personally (it is seen at Dunfermline station awaiting the 'Blue
Peter' steam train). Brian drove his bus from Dunfermline to Lathalmond and
showed that he can still 'walk the walk' and not just 'talk the talk'. |
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Meanwhile,
I had the pleasure of driving UCS 659, a preserved Western SMT Albion
Lowlander. I travelled on similar buses many times between Glasgow and Beith to see my beloved before we were married, and never
thought I'd ever drive one - without too much arm-twisting either. The mainly
uphill journey to Lathalmond, with an almost capacity load, proved to be
quite a challenge for the old girl (or was it the driver?). It is also seen
at Dunfermline station. |
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Sat/Sun
12/13 June were Public Open Days featuring fun fair, enterprise village,
Museum shop and cafe, 'History of Stagecoach' display, vehicle displays, and
free bus services to and from Dunfermline on the fleet used on the Friday,
including the 1934 Leyland Lion LT5A shown on the left. Originally a Central
SMT bus, it was bought and re-bodied by Walter Alexander in 1945. It ran in
Perth City services in whose red livery it is restored. |
Mon-Thur 14-17 June saw School student days,
featuring activities and career interviews.
In the run-up to this major event, landscaping, site tidying and bus washing
and cleaning took place. Whilst much of this activity was undertaken by
Stagecoach, much appreciated help was provided by members who volunteered their
services during this run-up period and at the Open Days. Stagecoach
are enthusiastic supporters of the Museum and this was a wonderful
opportunity to put it on the map and show what we're capable of. Brian Souter
has expressed his appreciation, and the Museum can only benefit from the
resulting publicity this event generated.