Aberdeen

DONS STARS HELP FIRSTGROUP UNVEIL CITYS HOMECOMING SCOTLAND BUS

FirstGroup, the UKs largest transport operator, welcomed Dons stars, Lee Miller and Sone Aluko on board one of its buses today to help promote the Homecoming Scotland campaign and the Homecoming Scottish Cup.

First has donated full size adverts on three of its double-decker buses advertising Homecoming Scotland 2009. Residents and visitors to Scotlands three largest cities, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen will see the eye-catching buses on a regular basis as they operate services on routes across the cities throughout 2009. The purpose is to raise awareness of the Homecoming campaign and events on offer in Scotland in 2009.

Lee Miller and Sone Aluko, inspected the Homecoming Scotland bus today ahead of Aberdeens Homecoming Scottish Cup tie with Dunfermline at East End Park on Saturday.

Lee Miller said: "The bus is very impressive. Its good to see FirstGroup support Homecoming Scotland and the Homecoming Scottish Cup. I hope the bus can follow us all the way to the final this year!'

George Mair, Managing Director of First in Aberdeen, greeted the players and outlined the companys pride in supporting the Homecoming campaign. "Although FirstGroup is now a global company, our roots are very much here in Scotland, and in particular Aberdeen. Homecoming Scotland is a fantastic initiative and we are pleased to be able to support the campaign by providing these striking bus adverts.'

He added: "I have every confidence that the Dons will make it through against Dunfermline and set up a return to Hampden for another semi final. Lets hope that our Homecoming Scotland bus serves as a lucky mascot!'

Marie Christie, Project Director, Homecoming Scotland 2009, said: "FirstGroup is one of the largest and most successful Scottish companies. As a FTSE 100 organisation, having First on board is a real coup for our campaign. I am very grateful for its generous support and am thoroughly looking forward to seeing the Homecoming Scotland buses out on the streets " they are sure to be a talking point for locals and visitors alike.'

With some 100,000 employees in North America, First is promoting the Homecoming campaign on the websites of its North American companies. First is also promoting the campaign through its Scottish companies websites including First ScotRails site. In addition, First is supporting the ‘As Others See Us photography exhibition which will be touring the country as part of the Homecoming campaign. Firsts Chief Executive, Sir Moir Lockhead, features in the exhibition.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 has been organised to coincide with the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth and aims to attract people with Scottish roots from around the world to return home.