An engineering manager who works at a Johnstone bus depot has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Christopher Beattie has been nominated for Young Manager of the Year for this year's UK Bus Awards.

Transport operator McGill's, which has depots in Johnstone and Inchinnan, has received a total of five nominations, including Top Shire Operator of the Year as well as Top Express Service for its Clyde Flyer route.

The Gazette:

Colin Smith, a fleet engineer based at McGill’s Scotland East operations, has been shortlisted for the Engineer of the Year category, while the bus firm has also been nominated for an Environmental Innovation award for its Journey to Net Zero initiative.

Alex Hornby, group managing director at McGill's Bus Group, expressed his delight at the nominations.

He said: "Bus companies from across the UK vie for nominations and we’re really pleased that McGill’s Group has been recognised so prominently for the 2023 awards.

The Gazette:

"To receive five nominations is terrific and it demonstrates not only the quality of service that we strive to deliver for our customers but also the huge investment this company has made in class-leading zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure, making us one the largest and most well-established operators of electric buses in the country.

"We're also delighted for our team as it acknowledges the outstanding job they do, even when compared to others within the UK bus industry.

"A special mention must also go to Colin and Christopher on their shortlisting. They are both dedicated and highly skilled members of the McGill's team and we are delighted to see them nominated and they – like the rest of our colleagues – are so deserving of this recognition."

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held in London on November 28.