Midland Bluebird Driver Crowned Scotland's Best Bus Driver

A McGill’s Midland Bluebird driver has been crowned Scotland’s best bus driver at the prestigious UK Bus Driver of the Year competition.

Gavin Justice, who is based at the company’s Larbert depot, finished runner-up in the overall UK contest at the final in Blackpool this weekend as well as winning the award for Best Driver based at a Scottish Depot.

His success means a McGill’s driver has claimed the title of Scotland’s best for the second consecutive year.

Gavin was joined in the UK’s top 20 by two McGill’s colleagues. Jan Bejgerowski, from the Johnstone depot, achieved an outstanding sixth-place finish in his first appearance at the competition, while Larbert-based Michael Morrison placed 17th after demonstrating excellent ability during the on-road tests.

Designed to replicate the demands of a bus driver’s normal working day, the competition began with professional checks including a breathalyser test and inspection of each driver’s licence and Driver Certificate of Professional Competence card. Competitors then completed a theory test before tackling eight manoeuvring exercises and a three-mile route through normal traffic along Blackpool’s Promenade and Middle Walk.

Judges assessed their signalling, positioning, speed, observation and ability to stop precisely at designated bus stops, with penalty points applied for any errors or breaches of the Highway Code.

Gavin Justice said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be named the best driver from a Scottish depot and to have finished second in the UK contest.

“The standard of competition was incredibly high, so it is a tremendous honour to achieve this result. A lot of preparation went into the event, and I’m grateful for the encouragement I received from everyone at McGill’s.

“I’m also very proud of how strongly the whole team performed. Jan did brilliantly to finish sixth in his first competition, and Michael showed once again the high standard of driving we have across the business.”

Neil Dryden, HR, Training & Recruitment Director at McGill’s Bus Group, said: “Gavin’s achievement is exceptional and everyone at the company is proud of his success. To be crowned Scotland’s best bus driver and finish second among the finest bus drivers in the UK is a tremendous reflection of his skill, professionalism and commitment.

“Jan’s sixth-place finish in his first year of competing was another fantastic achievement, while Michael’s top-20 result underlined the strength and depth of the team representing McGill’s.

“Our drivers are trusted to provide safe, reliable and welcoming journeys for thousands of customers every day. These results demonstrate the expertise and dedication they bring to that responsibility.

“To have a McGill’s driver named the best in Scotland for the second consecutive year is a remarkable accomplishment and a fitting reward for the hard work of our drivers and the quality of the training delivered by our training academy team.”

The awards were presented by Kathryn Pulham, President of the Confederation of Passenger Transport.