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.

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'.

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'.

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.

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.