Highland pupils name Stagecoach buses
Asked to come up with names for 26 Stagecoach Highlands buses P7 pupils from across the region didn’t disappoint!
Developing the Young Workforce Inverness and Central Highland (DYWICH), in partnership with Stagecoach Highlands, worked with children from schools across the Highlands as they got set to make the move from primary to secondary school.
Giving them a glimpse into the work of DYWICH they were inspired to think about how their learning supports future careers, and encouraged to get creative through the fun task of naming buses.
Stagecoach Highlands bus drivers secure wage win ending strike threat
Climate crisis put front and centre by Kingussie pupils at COP28 tie-in
Sign up to receive our free email newsletters
In a similar way to how the naming of snowploughs and gritters has become popular - Sir Andy Flurry or Gonnae Snow Dae That to name just two - pupils were urged to let their imaginations run free and a total of 26 winning names were chosen, ranging from the clever to the whimsical, with names like Bus Lightyear, Aon-adharcach (Gaelic for Unicorn), Wonder Wheels, and Skye Bus Song among those chosen.
The names will soon be displayed on the front of Stagecoach buses as a fitting tribute to the imagination of the youngsters who took part.
Davie Simpson, interim service delivery director at Stagecoach North Scotland, said: "We have been working with DYW for a few years now, aiming to show that although Stagecoach is a large company, we are deeply rooted in our local community.
“Projects like 'Name the Bus' allow us to connect with younger generations and gather valuable insights into what they would like to see in public transport.
“This initiative highlights our commitment to the communities we serve and sparks interest in potential careers in transport, from drivers to engineers to managers."
Liz Fletcher, DYWICH programme lead, added: "The 'Name the Bus' project has been a fantastic way to introduce young people to what we do at DYWICH while also encouraging them to think about their future.
“This initiative bridges creativity with community involvement and demonstrates the wonderful outcomes of partnership working.
“We are proud of the energy and enthusiasm the pupils brought to the competition, and we hope to see some of them take up careers in the transport sector in the future."
Winning Names:
Culloden Academy Cluster:
Ardersier PS: Joseph Walker – Staggie
Ardersier PS: Isaac Ising – Bus Lightyear
Duncan Forbes PS: Mairi McGrath – Aon-adharcach
Charleston Academy Cluster:
Teanassie PS: Alexandra – Bus Ted
Teanassie PS: Sarah MacLennan – Sonic the Stagecoach
Teanassie PS: Cameron – LadyBus
Kinmylies PS: Emilie – Wonder Wheels
Glen Urquhart High School Cluster:
Cannich Bridge PS: Hamish Speed – Speedy Ness
Cannich Bridge PS: Louie Macleod – Alba Gu Brath
Kingussie High School Cluster:
Newtonmore PS: Jessica A – Bustin Bieber
Newtonmore PS: Fergus – Odious Maxibus
Newtonmore PS: Annabelle – alBus Dumbeldore
Aviemore PS: Ciaran – Skye Bus Song
Millburn Academy Cluster:
Raigmore PS: Ania – Wheelie the Bus
Raigmore PS: Billie-Jo – Lightning MacQueen
Raigmore PS: Alexandra Biatecka – BeeBop
Raigmore PS: Lara H – Mr. Bus
Inshes PS: Lilly M – Sunny
Inshes PS: Jessica Cunningham – Bus Bunny
Inshes PS: Grace – Grace
Inshes PS: Blythe M – Zoom
Inshes PS: Keira – Bussy Bee
Milton of Leys PS: Andrew MacLeod – Nessie
Milton of Leys PS: Struan – Giggle Gearshift
Milton of Leys PS: Ellie MacPherson – Bus-ta Move
Milton of Leys PS: Laney Cameron – Bus-tiful Day
