HGA 983D is a Bedford VAS 1 with a B24FM Willowbrook body (F stands for front loading door; 24 seats; and Mail compartment). First registered in May 1966 to MacBraynes and given fleet number 210.
The bus had its first service on Islay replacing YYS 174 which was new to MacBraynes in 1960 and also had its first service on Islay. These small buses were well suited to the narrow twisting roads of the island.
It continued on Islay until the demise of MacBraynes in 1971, then it was sold in January 1972 to Highland Omnibuses and was given fleet no CD93. It is believed that it was then used on the Inverness – Helmsdale – Tain route etc. as the destination screen showed.
It was then transferred to Northern Constabulary as a police staff bus and then after a time to Highland Health Board who also used it as a staff bus for Craigdulnain Hospital.
The next owners were Brechin Railway Society who rather roughly painted it back into MacBrayne colours. Aberdeen Transport carried out some work on it, re-skinning panels etc. prior to painting and then decided to sell the bus on. It was at this time in July 1994 that the MacBrayne Circle were informed about it and along with a group of members decided to purchase the bus. It has been in the ownership more or less with the same group to this day.
Photographs
Do you have a memory of this vehicle?
Perhaps you travelled on it, saw it at work, or know part of its story we have not yet recorded. Use the comments section below to share what you remember – every detail helps build a richer picture of Glasgow’s transport history.
- Registration
- HGA 983D
- Chassis type
- Bedford VAS1
- Chassis number
- 6843959
- Body type and seating
- Willowbrook B24FM
- Body number
- CF1307
- Date new
- May 1966
- Original operator
- MacBraynes (210)