FirstGroup name train after Sir Moir Lockhead

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Sir Moir Lockhead, former Chief Executive of FirstGroup, was left astounded today after a ScotRail train was named in his honour to mark his achievements after 22 years at the helm of the Aberdeen-based transport operator.

Sir Moir had just attended another train naming at Glasgow Queen Street Station when directed to another platform where, to his complete surprise, he unveiled a train bearing the title ‘Sir Moir Lockhead OBE’.

Initially lost for words, he then paid tribute to the quality of staff throughout his time as Chief Executive and said he was both surprised and delighted to receive such a public tribute.

Sir Moir, his wife, Lady Audrey Lockhead, and guests boarded the ‘Sir Moir Lockhead OBE’, Class 170 train for afternoon tea and a return trip to Stirling.

Earlier, Sir Moir and celebrity Carol Smillie had unveiled a train called the ‘Riverside Museum’. It was named as part of FirstGroup’s support for the new Riverside Museum which will house Glasgow’s transport collections which are recognised as being of international importance. FirstGroup is sole founder patron to the Riverside Museum Appeal.

 

CarolSmilieFirstGroup
Carol Smillie, Trustee of the Riverside Museum Appeal

Carol Smillie, Trustee of the Riverside Museum Appeal, said about FirstGroup’s support of the transport museum: “To have a train named after the Riverside Museum is a special honour that will help us remind people all over the country that Scotland’s Museum of Transport and Travel is opening in June. FirstGroup is sole founder patron to the Riverside Museum Appeal and this gesture is a continued measure of its unstinting backing. Every donation is being marked in the Riverside Museum and you still have time to make a donation and become part of it.”

Sir Moir said of FirstGroup choosing to name a train in honour of the Riverside Museum: “As the UK’s largest bus and rail operator it is fitting that we have played a part in the development of the transport museum.

Indeed our funding brought back from South Africa – and restored – Loco 3007, the Museum’s centrepiece.”

He continued: “As the train passes through Scotland’s cities, towns, villages and countryside, it will remind people that from June Glasgow will boast the finest transport museum in the world.

“I am proud FirstGroup, through one of our rail franchises – ScotRail – will help raise awareness of the Riverside Museum.”

The train naming took place today (25 March) at 12.30 at Glasgow’s Queen Street Station. At 1341 ‘Riverside Museum’, a Class 170 train, departed Queen Street carrying passengers to Aberdeen and stations in between.

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