Local bus operator First Scotland East has been shortlisted for three coveted Scottish Transport Awards.

In the Central Belt, where it operates as First Midland Bluebird, its high profile 38 ‘Royal Route’ service has been nominated for Scotland’s ‘Best Bus Service’ for the second year in a row. 

The UniLink service which serves Stirling University with a fleet of hybrid vehicles features in the Contribution to Sustainable Transport category.

Finally, bus driver Tommy Rooney is in the running for the celebrated ‘Frontline Employee of the Year’ Award. 

The driving force behind the social club within the Larbert bus depot where 325 employees are based, when Tommy is not driving his passengers on local journeys, he is busy planning and organising days or nights out for staff and their children. 

His infectious appetite for community spirit really shone through last year when his beloved football club Falkirk FC made it through to the Scottish Cup Final and Tommy persuaded around 40 colleagues to create a video showing them singing and dancing along to the football club’s unofficial anthem – Amarillo by Tony Christie. 

Once uploaded to YouTube it became a surprise internet hit with over 10,000 views.

Managing Director of First Scotland East, Paul McGowan, said: “To be shortlisted for three Scottish Transport Awards is a fantastic recognition of the great work being done day in day out by staff in the Scotland East area to improve services and attract more customers on board. 

“The 38 is now among the top performing First Midland Bluebird services and that’s been down to great work by our staff to improve the service for our customers and promote it far and wide. 

“I’m delighted to see Tommy shortlisted also as he’s a true ‘unsung hero’ of our business and epitomises the team spirit the Midland Bluebird team has 

“Being shortlisted for these important awards really reflects the hard work and commitment from our team not only to improve services but support our communities and ultimately encourage more people across the east of Scotland to travel by bus.”