All Aboard! Midland Bluebird’s Birthday Open Day Raises Fantastic Sum for Strathcarron Hospice

Midland Bluebird, part of the McGill’s Bus Group, successfully hosted a hugely popular community Open Day at its Larbert depot on Saturday, September 20th, marking its third anniversary and celebrating a year of major investment.

The free event welcomed thousands of visitors and raised vital funds for local charity Strathcarron Hospice, with £1,169 raised through hospice activities on the day and an additional £1,422.31 raised by Midland Bluebird at the Open Day, bringing the total to an incredible £2,591.31.

The Stirling Road depot was a hive of activity as families, transport enthusiasts, and locals enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at Midland Bluebird. Visitors got up close with the newest additions to the fleet brand-new zero-emission electric buses alongside a selection of classic heritage vehicles. The ever-popular ride through the giant bus wash proved to be the day’s biggest splash hit for all ages, while face painting, inflatables, street food, and ice cream stalls provided plenty of family fun throughout the day. Adding to the excitement, the Falkirk Bike Clinic and Professor Balance bike coaching sessions brought an active twist to the celebrations, and a host of charity games and activities helped boost the fundraising total for Strathcarron Hospice.

Claire Kennedy, Corporate Fundraiser at Strathcarron Hospice, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Midland Bluebird and McGill’s Group for their wonderful support. The Open Day was a fantastic community celebration, and it’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to support local hospice care. The funds raised will make a real difference, helping us continue to provide specialist care and compassion to patients and families across the Forth Valley, Cumbernauld, and Kilsyth.”

Tony Williamson, CEO of McGill’s Bus Group, commented:

“We’re so proud of our Midland Bluebird team and the strong community connections they’ve built over these past years. Supporting Strathcarron Hospice, a charity that does such vital work is something that means a great deal to all of us at McGill’s. Seeing families enjoy the day, learn about our electric buses, and give generously to a great cause really sums up what we stand for as a company.”

Graeme Leslie, Area Director for Midland Bluebird, added:

“It was wonderful to see so many people come out and celebrate with us. In just three years, we’ve achieved a huge amount, investing in new vehicles and better services for our passengers. Our Open Day was our way of saying thank you to the community and to support the incredible work of Strathcarron Hospice. The turnout and generosity were phenomenal.”