First Bus Glasgow put up mega billboard in honour of worker

Jean Scott was surprised to see her face splashed across a First Bus to mark her retirement after 46 years of service at the firm.

Described by colleagues as "one of Glasgow's most formidable receptionists known for her no-nonsense approach", Jean began her career with First Glasgow in 1977.

She started out as a "clippy", checking tickets of those boarding the bus.

Completing her journey with the company at the reception desk, Jean hung up her hi-vis for the very last time this week.

As the receptionist of Caledonia Depot, Jean was beloved for her quick wit, humour and strict adherence to the rules for the safety of visitors and staff alike.

Colleagues said she always left everyone with a smile, and – if they were lucky enough – even a sweetie.

To give her a send-off to remember, Jean’s colleagues gathered to celebrate her commitment to the business, and to give her one last surprise as they revealed her face on a double-decker that will be on service throughout Glasgow.

The ultra banner reads: "Thank you for 46 years at First Glasgow, Jean. We'll miss you!"

The bus service will be doing the rounds across the city and the West End.

Linda Shields, operations director at First Bus Scotland, said: “Jean is a known icon in our Caledonia Depot and throughout the business, and we couldn’t think of a better way to wave her off into retirement than to get her face on a bus going round the city.

“We thankfully managed to plan the whole thing without any give-away calls coming into reception - and her reaction was priceless.

"We couldn’t let her go without marking her four and a half decades of service with something big.

“It’s the people that make a business, and for almost half a century Jean has contributed significantly to the operations and feel of First Glasgow.

"It will be strange not seeing her behind the desk each morning but we all wish her a very well-deserved and happy retirement.”