Greater Glasgow

Bus drivers receive thank you message with a difference!

Two retired drivers from Glasgow's biggest bus company got the surprise of their lives today (Wednesday) when they received a thank you message with a difference, thanking them for a total of 83 years' service between them.

George Blain (64) and John O'Gorman (64), both from Springboig, accrued 44 years and 39 years service driving for First in Glasgow and the company joined forces with its bus advertising partner, CBS Outdoor Limited, to show its thanks with a massive thank you, on the side of a bus!

Frank McCann, Operations Manager of Parkhead Depot, where the two drivers were based, surprised George and John with the special thank you during an 'official' meeting that he had especially arranged at one of their homes in the east end.

Frank said: "They had absolutely no idea what they were in for when I popped along this morning and it's great that the people of Glasgow will get to see this thank you message with a difference as they go about their daily lives. George and John are two terrific guys who will be missed by staff and passengers alike and I am delighted that we have been able to say a fond farewell in such a public way.'

National Franchise Manager for CBS Outdoor Limited, Craig Bailey, added: "This was a really novel way to say thanks to two drivers who have given years of dedicated service to First and we are delighted to have helped deliver this truly massive, and completely appropriate, thank you on behalf of the company. I'm sure George and John will be thrilled to know what First thinks of them.'

George and John were completely overwhelmed with their surprise and beamed with pride when they saw it.

"I am totally flabbergasted', said George. "I didnt expect for a second to see something like this when Frank came out to meet with us this morning. I cant believe that this message is going to be running on buses going by my door every day, it's just great.'

"This is just brilliant', added John (who is also known as Jackie), "and its amazing that First, CBS and the guys at the depot have gone to so much bother. I am so proud to have been recognised in this way, George and I are going to be the talk of the town!'