Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust Members Visit McGill's Johnstone Depot on Fact-Finding Mission

Members of Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust’s Bridgeton Garage have visited McGill’s Buses as part of an initiative to observe and learn from the depot’s exemplary practices in workspace management and spare parts storage.

Chris Beattie, Depot Engineering Manager at Johnstone and Chris Medine, Fleet Engineer, hosted the Bridgeton Garage team, providing an extensive tour of the Johnstone depot facilities, highlighting the efficient layout and operational strategies which ensure the garage runs smoothly.

By observing the well-organised environment and effective practices at the depot, Bridgeton members aim to implement similar strategies in their own garage, ensuring a well-maintained and productive workspace for years to come. The Trust leased the former Bridgeton Bus Garage at Fordneuk Street from Glasgow City Council for around 17 years before purchasing it in 2020 to give GVVT a secure home and future.

Steven Booth, Chairman of Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust, expressed his gratitude and excitement about the visit. He said: "We’re touring bus depots in our local area to learn about current best practice in the management of garage buildings and how the spaces are used for maintaining buses.  We’ll use what we learn to influence the development plan for our Bridgeton Bus Garage home so that it is fit for the work we do for years to come.  

“Johnstone is the first stop on our travels, and we’re delighted that McGill’s have been keen to share their knowledge and experience with us.  They’ve been generous with their time and access they’ve afforded us.  It really is much appreciated."

Alex Hornby, McGill’s Group Managing Director, also commented on the visit: “We are pleased to welcome the Bridgeton Garage team to our Johnstone depot. Sharing best practice and fostering a collaborative spirit within our industry is essential for continuous improvement. We are proud of our team’s efforts in maintaining high standards and it’s gratifying to see that our work can inspire and assist others in achieving similar goals.”

The Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of vintage vehicles. Through community engagement and educational initiatives, the Trust aims to celebrate and maintain Glasgow's rich transport heritage.