Lothian crowns Driver of the Year

Harvey Stroud has been named Lothian’s Driver of the Year.

Harvey took the top spot at the operator’s annual Bus Driver of the Year final at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston. The competition saw 18 finalists from across the Lothian Group compete on the day, excelling in three challenges: a theory test, a practical road driving test and an obstacle course.

Harvey, from the operator’s Lothian Country team took first place overall, followed by Thomas Gilhooley, East Coast Buses and John James Smith, Lothian City, in second and third place respectively.

The top three finishers will now go on and represent Lothian at the UK Bus Driver of the Year Final in Blackpool later this year, hoping to repeat the success of last year when Thomas Gilhooley was crowned UK Bus Driver of the Year.

“Our Driver of the Year event presents an excellent opportunity to bring together driving colleagues from across our business to showcase their skill, proficiency and professionalism” – Willie Hamilton, Operations Director for Lothian

Willie Hamilton, Operations Director for Lothian, said: “Our drivers do an amazing job day in, day out delivering for over 2 million customers each week.

“Our Driver of the Year event presents an excellent opportunity to bring together driving colleagues from across our business to showcase their skill, proficiency and professionalism, and this year’s competition has been no exception.

“I’d like to say thank you to all who took part and showed great competitive spirit throughout. Special congratulations go to Harvey, Thomas and John James on their success at the event. We’ll all be rooting for you in Blackpool!”