Leyland National 10351A/1R

LN18 was new to Greater Glasgow PTE in 1979, one of a batch of 20 Leyland Nationals which were unusual single deckers in the almost exclusively double-deck fleet at that time.

During the Strathclyde PTE era, LN18 was frequently loaned to smaller operators for supported services. Following privatisation in 1986, Strathclyde Buses retained one National (LN20) for use as their “Happy Bus” exhibition unit with a fibreglass smiley face affixed to the front.

LN18 ended up on Millport, running for Millport Motors, with whom it remained in service until the early 2000s, although latterly it was used only on school services and during the Millport “Country & Western” festival when every bus on the island is mobilised.

LN18 was sold to the BBC for use as a semi-mobile crew room on the set of “River City”. It was acquired for preservation by the GVVT in 2010, and successfully drove up the shed under its own power on arrival.

Following many years use in a wet and salty climate on Millport, then several years parked outdoors, the steel framework at the back is in poor condition and work has involved repairing much of the structure around the rear. Elsewhere the framework is surprisingly good.

Despite at least two repaints on Millport and the use as a crew room, LN18 still retained its original embossed GGPTE fleet number plates until the end, although they have been removed temporarily to avoid damaging them.