Ian takes a bow
Driver to rescue after school bus crash
A hero bus driver has been praised for springing into action after a school bus crashed on a Stirling area road.
Thirteen pupils from Balfron High had a lucky escape after the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a collision with a Land Rover and trailer on the A811 last March.
The accident happened on a stretch of road between Kirk Lane and Cambusbarron – as the pupils were returning from a day out at Forth Valley College.
Ian Davidson (56), a First Bus driver at the Balfron depot, has been recognised for his quick thinking and selfless actions in the aftermath of the incident – picking up the Frontline employee of the year award at the Scottish Transport Awards.
On the day of the accident Mr Davidson, who is from Balfron himself, was driving an empty bus when he was caught in queuing traffic.
Fearing something had happened further ahead he went to investigate, and when he arrived at the scene of the accident he found a number of shocked and injured children trying to get out of the vehicle.
Their teacher, who was driving the bus, was still inside and appeared to be suffering from an arm injury – it was later revealed she had a fractured shoulder.
He then helped to move the children to safety and assisted the teacher, but was concerned at the amount of time it was taking the emergency services to arrive at the scene, before taking matters into his own hands.
He said: “When the accident happened I had asked if anyone had called the emergency services and was told that was the case but it seemed to be taking too long so I dialled 999.
“When I gave the location as the A811 the controller said that wasn’t the information they had so the crews were then diverted.”
An air ambulance was among the emergency crews in attendance, and Ian added: “It was an alarming incident but thankfully everyone was attended to quickly and there was no lasting damage to anyone.”
Elaine Bannatyne, headteacher at Balfron High, paid tribute to the driver for his quick-thinking.
She said: “I am keen to say how grateful we are to Ian for his help, support and care of our young people following the accident.
“Fortunately our pupils did not suffer serious injuries but none the less the experience itself was extremely challenging, and Ian was a fantastic help.”
First Scotland managing director Paul McGowan said: “We are very proud of Ian. His first thoughts on that day were for the safety and wellbeing of these children and their teacher.
“He put his experience and training to effective use in assisting them and ensuring the emergency services were not delayed any longer in getting to the scene.”
After the accident four pupils and the teacher were taken to hospital for treatment but were released later the same day.
Ian received his honour from awards panel judge Dr George Hazel, director of George Hazel Consultancy, at a ceremony which was compered by comedian Sanjeev Kohli.