Lothian’s top three drivers selected

Lothian Buses and its subsidiaries used the company’s annual competition to select its drivers for this year’s Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) National Final.

BDoY Chairman Joe Mackie and Competition Secretary Paul MacKay were invited to attend the event at the Royal Highland Centre where 17 drivers from across the Lothian group were put through a variety of challenges which included a theory test, obstacle course and road drive.

Mr Mackie said: “The sun shone on what was a brilliant opportunity for participants to catch up with colleagues based at different garages, and enjoy a delicious lunch provided by Lothian’s catering team.”

Winners from each of the subsidiaries were Thomas Gilhooley of East Coast Buses, Flavio Amaral of Edinburgh Bus Tours, Corin Morse of Lothian Country, and John O’Hara of Lothian.

When all the scores were added up East Coast Buses was Garage of the Year, while the top three drivers were Thomas Gilhooley (third), Gary Black (second), and John O’Hara (first).

Consequently John, Gary and Thomas will now go on to take part in the UK Bus Driver of the Year National Final which will be held in Blackpool on 3rd September 2023.