Doors Open Day – Lothian Buses depot

 

The secrets and history behind the running of one of Scotland’s most modern and environmentally friendly bus services will be revealed on Saturday 24 September. Lothian Buses is set to open the doors of its historic Central Depot to the Edinburgh public as part of Doors Open Day 2011, from 12-4pm.

 

Following the success of last year’s Doors Open Day which attracted more than 1,000 visitors, organisers have made this year’s event even bigger than last year, with guided garage tours on an open-top bus, trips through the bus wash, a line up of Edinburgh buses old and new, and a training bus for kids to enjoy.

 

Dr Steve Johnson, event organiser, said: “We have been involved with Doors Open Day for more than five years and it’s is a great opportunity for the general public to come and see how our operation works, along with finding out the fascinating history of both the company and Central Depot in its former guise as Edinburgh’s Industrial Hall.

 

“The event will be great fun for all the family, as everyone will have the opportunity to view the garage, which looks after the maintenance of many of Lothian Buses 650-strong fleet.

 

“We have a selection of buses from the 1950s-2011 on show – including one of our new Hybrid electric-diesel buses – and staff from bus manufacturer Alexander-Dennis will also be on hand to talk through how the bus works.”

 

Doors Open Days run throughout September across Scotland, giving millions of people free access to locations normally kept under lock and key.

 

Lothian Buses was one of the first of the 900 Scottish buildings to sign up for the 2011 campaign

 

On Saturday 24 September, visitors can explore a public bus bought in 1957 to replace the Edinburgh trams and meet and greet the departmental staff that have kept the company moving for almost 140 years.

 

In addition, kids can take part in the annual colouring competition to design their very own livery for their chance to win a Family Tour ticket onboard one of the Tour Buses.

 

There will be four guided tours throughout the day at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm on an open top bus.  Due to heavy demand for these the tours are pre-bookable by e-mailing doorsopenday@lothianbuses.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0131 475 0133.

 

For more information visit www.lothianbuses.com.