Archie Houliston never drove a bus or lorry for wages, it was strictly for fun.
And as he turns 76 and is no longer insured to operate council or Trust-owned vehicles, he vows the enjoyment doesn’t stop here. He and his Scania fire appliance will still be regular attenders of events throughout Scotland, writes Ed Bonner.
Friends and fellow-GVVT members joined Archie for his final Corpy drive from Bridgeton to the council fuel pumps at Polmadie – a task he has carried out so many times, he’s lost count.
A former supervising engineer with BT and Vodafone, Archie joined GVVT in 2009. He said: “I didn’t drive for a living. I paid for PCV and HGV courses simply out of interest.
“Driving these old vehicles is a privilege. Each is different and has its own character. L163, the Wee L, is the best to handle while D217, the Daimler, looks good but is a heavy beast.
“I enjoyed the Outreach work, driving to schools and care homes, and the annual taxi run for children to Troon was always a good experience.
“Above all, the greatest reward I have from being in and about the garage is the many friends I have made. I look forward to meeting more.”
Words: Ed Bonner, photos: Joan Flanagan.