BAKERY boss Sir Boyd Tunnock has fond memories of travelling to school in Glasgow.
The young Allan Glen’s pupil would hop on a bus, little knowing that one day, his company – famous for the world over for its teacakes and more - would sponsor advertisements on the side of a similar vehicle to help raise money for charity.
“It’s a thrill to see this beautiful machine out on the road and back to its former glory, especially as it features Tunnock’s adverts from the time,” says the 91-year-old businessman.
“I remember, as a boy, travelling on a similar, but older, bus to Allan Glen’s school in Glasgow.
“It’s fantastic to have those memories again today.”
The 1954 Leyland Titan double decker, pictured outside the famous Tunnock's factory in Uddingston, will be one of many fantastic vehicles on display this Sunday, July 28 at Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust’s Family and Community Day.
A vintage Tunnock’s Fleur de Lys van will also be there.
(Image: Jane Barrie)
The Trust, based at the city’s last remaining Corporation bus garage in Bridgeton, is hoping to welcome thousands of visitors and raise vital funds.
Sir Boyd has always had a passion for old vehicles.
“My father gave me a powder blue MG TC sports car for my 17th birthday,” he explains. “I still have an MG TC to this day, although not that first one.
“I also have a lovely old Lagonda from 1952 – so it’s two years older than the bus…”
He adds: "The cars are stored in a heated garage which keeps the moisture away and keeps them up to standard.”
Sir Boyd has been a Scottish Sporting Car Club champion, and as well as the powder blue MG TC, and the Lagonda, he has also owned a red MGA 1500 and a Mini Cooper. He is also known for his love of Rolls-Royces.
(Image: Newsquest)
Our photographers captured the businessman taking delivery of his latest silver dream machine from Rolls Royce in 1998. A year later he raffled one of his Rolls-Royces for charity while he was at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and raised around £180,000.
The bus, number L484, is the only remaining Leyland half-cab double-decker from a fleet of 631 run by Central SMT, then the largest operator in Central Scotland.
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It entered service in October 1954 and its first route was from the Bothwell Road depot in Hamilton to Glasgow, via Uddingston, Newton and Cambuslang.
It was driven to Tunnock’s last week by Martin Walker, a Trustee of the L484 Preservation Group, which brought the vehicle back to life over two years, securing private and heritage lottery funding.
Inside the GVVT HQ (Image: Newsquest/Mark F Gibson)
Martin said: “It’s so distinctive on the road, a true one off.
“So many people have contributed to its restoration. We’re lucky to have it…and I feel privileged to drive it."
The open day will feature 130 classic buses, trucks and fire engines, and guest of honour will be historian Paul Lyons, the face of TV documentary show Inside Central Station.
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Highlights include appearances from the award-winning Michael Brawley Big Band, Darth Vader and a galaxy of Star Wars characters, the Western Desert Recce Group and model boats and buses,
There will also be free vintage bus rides to and from George Square and two new interactive attractions.
GVVT Chairman Steven Booth says: “We welcomed more than 2000 visitors last year and we’re hoping to top that.
“We hope our new additions - Your Wee Happy Bus – a children’s driving experience with cab, bell, ticket machine and destination screen, and SIM 1 - a bus simulator for adults and bigger kids which tilts and rocks as you steer and brake, will be a big hit.”
He adds: “We’re also supporting Glasgow North East Foodbank and are asking visitors to bring along items like tinned meat, tinned custard, breakfast cereal, UHT milk and small jars of coffee to donate.
"If we all pull together we can make a big difference."
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