Transport of Delight
Edinburgh’s iconic Lothian buses have lots of fans, but not many people buy one of the harlequin livery double-decker giants decked out in their madder, that’s a kind of dark red, and cream livery. But that’s exactly what one Australian couple did! They bought a number 16, a 1960’s Lothian Leyland Atlantean, after discovering it online rotting in a garden, as you do! Lothian Buses can trace its history way back to 1871 when the Edinburgh Street Tramways Company was set up. After tramways became less fashionable the first of its motor buses appeared in 1917and our friend the rear engine Atlantean double-decker first hit the capital’s streets in 1965.
For the Aussie couple it was “ all aboard,” “fares please” and they were besotted at first sight when they saw the less than glamorous wreck on-line, but love finds a way and the bus is now restored at enormous cost and sits, fully working on the beach at Sinclair Bay, Queensland. It is opposite Ben Lomond a grand sounding isle. It’s a much grander place than chilly Dundee, where in retirement the bus carried fruit pickers to and from work. Then the bus was an exhibit in a vintage bus museum,until an enthusiast had it shipped down under to New South Wales. But instead of finding new glory it fell into terrible disrepair before the happy couple found it on-line and lovingly renovated it.
Newly restored the bus is a home from home with all the mod cons of a modern motor home, loo showers and all. The no 16 bus still has its destination sign on the front showing stops at Tollcross, Princes Street and Leith Walk, but you might have to wait a long time between buses for this one.
And here at James Pirie we are daft about nostalgia and love the history of the nation and how it can be transported across the world and still remain a true piece of Scotland. Just like our old friend the Water of Life, the true amber nectar, single malt Scotch whisky. And of course if you want to enjoy this joyous spirit in all its glory then a great glass is highly recommended. And with inspiration taken from nature we have the lovely Flower of Scotland, thistle shaped glasses. They are handmade and cut and a pleasure to hold and drink in the aroma ,then the taste of the whisky. And just for you at the moment it is on at half price, And you can get free gift wrapping just by ticking the box at check out. Try it now.
