A MAN has been sharing how he ascended the ranks from bus cleaner to depot operations manager at the UK's largest independent bus operator.

Ewan Gray entered the sector at 17, working late shifts as a shunter and cleaner for an independent bus company in Lanarkshire.

His career has since seen the 32-year-old in roles as a lead driver, working in depot operations, and duty planning for more than 700 drivers.

Joining McGill's Group in October 2022, Ewan initially served as an allocations manager, achieving promotion to his current position at the firm's Inchinnan depot in Renfrewshire earlier this year.

He said: "My new role is something very important to me and having had an input in every side of the bus industry through my career, I feel I’m well-placed to work with my great colleagues and the travelling public to continually enhance McGill’s Group’s offering."

With a passion for buses, Ewan said he was less well aware of the potential for career progression when he started over a decade ago.

McGill's Group managing director, Alex Hornby, praised his efforts since joining the company.

He said: "Our congratulations go to Ewan on his promotion to his new role.

"He is a real asset to the company and a great leader to our people.

"No matter your existing skillset, we are keen for people to engage with us and see if a role at McGill’s would suit your future ambitions."

He added that Ewan typifies what can be accomplished with new colleagues' opportunities via the company's in-house training initiative, the McGill’s Academy.

McGill's Group is seeking to attract new talent to the company – particularly from those who have never thought their skills would match the sector.

The company hopes Ewan's story will motivate more people to join the bus and coach sector.