Bus station recollections

Stirling Observer reader David Brown sent us this photograph (above) which he hopes will bring back memories for some.

David used to work at the old Midland Scottish Head Office at Brown Street, Camelon from 1986 until it relocated to Carmuirs House, Larbert in 1988 and was there until 1992 when he moved to the former Central Regional Council.

He told us: “The photo is a photocopy that was among material that was being thrown out at Brown Street, instead of being moved to Larbert. It pre-dates my time with the company. Judging by the ages of individuals whom I knew, it dates from around 1980.”

The people David recognises are: Back row third left Gordon McPherson, fourth left Georgina Finlay and fifth left Douglas Gilroy (with beard). Middle row: Tom Jenkins (in front of Georgina and Douglas) and front row third left Michael Allan, fourth left Charlie Stevenson (making presentation) and third right, Bridget (Bridie) Short.

He added: “The individuals I’ve named were people I worked with. Gordon McPherson worked in the Schedules Department at Brown Street. Douglas Gilroy (Bus Station Supervisor), Michael Allan (Inspector), Georgina Finlay and Bridie Short (Clerkesses) were based at Stirling Bus Station.

“Tom Jenkins was Area Manager for Stirling and Charlie Stevenson, based in Falkirk, was manager of the bus stations at Stirling, Alloa and Falkirk.

“The others in the picture had either left the company before I started or were people with whom I didn’t come in contact. They’re likely to have been based at Bannockburn Depot, Stirling (Forth Street) Depot and Stirling Bus Station.

“The Stirling Depot in Forth Street closed in 1983 and I think the photograph probably pre-dates this, but not by much - say about three years.

“The old bus station was demolished in 1996/97 to make way for the Thistle Marches. A temporary bus station operated on a nearby site while building work was in progress. Whereas the old bus station was managed by the bus company, the temporary bus station and its permanent replacement, built into the Thistle Marches, were operated by Stirling Council.

“The company staff at the old bus station, including Michael Allan, Georgina Finlay and Bridie Short, transferred over to Stirling Council.

“The photo was taken at the front desk of the old Stirling Bus Station. The windows in the background looked on to the north side stances. One intriguing feature is the time on the clock. It looks like the presentation was being made at 7.45pm, most likely in the evening. This suggests that there was a meal or get-together earlier in the evening.”