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Archie’s final Corpy run

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.

Final fill-up…Archie fuels D217, the Daimler, for the last time at Polmadie

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.

Double act…teamwork does the job as Archie and George Wylie top up the the Daimler

“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.