Watch: A nostalgic trip back in time on the buses at Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust

Paul Trainer
By Paul Trainer
Published 17th Mar 2024, 08:36 BST
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Inside the Bridgeton bus garage preserving Glasgow's transport memories.

If you have ever spotted a Glasgow Corporation bus driving down Byres Road at the summer, chances are it is one of the vehicles from the past maintained By the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust.

The buses are carefully housed at the Glasgow at their Bridgeton Bus Garage in the East End. The Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust was formed in 2002 and focuses on the preservation of historic passenger carrying and commercial vehicles, and working towards the social inclusion of people with addiction issues.

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It's collection of Glasgow's transport history is found in the former Bridgeton Bus Garage on Fordneuk Street - it was built for Glasgow Corporation Transport opening in 1965.

Bridgeton Bus Garage was built for Glasgow Corporation Transport, opening in 1965. A prime example of industrial architecture from that era, with a more functional than decorative appearance. The garage operated ‘til 1976, then used as a local authority internal transport depot before being leased by Glasgow City Council to the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust in 2003. It is now a heritage centre for buses and commercial vehicles. There will be over 120 exhibits displaying much of the uses and commercial vehicles. There will be over 120 exhibits displaying much of the Trust’s collection – you will see examples of vehicles ranging from hulks rescued from scrap yards and awaiting attention to fully restored and active examples. The vehicles we have on display revive memories of years gone by with a wide variety of makes, models, and liveries long since disappeared from our streets. During Doors Open Day, guided tours will give visitors a “behind the scenes” look at the building and its facilities. The tours will also explain what it was like when it was a working bus garage and explore the restoration activities currently in progress, including the Trust’s “Back on the Road” programme.Bridgeton Bus Garage was built for Glasgow Corporation Transport, opening in 1965. A prime example of industrial architecture from that era, with a more functional than decorative appearance. The garage operated ‘til 1976, then used as a local authority internal transport depot before being leased by Glasgow City Council to the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust in 2003. It is now a heritage centre for buses and commercial vehicles. There will be over 120 exhibits displaying much of the uses and commercial vehicles. There will be over 120 exhibits displaying much of the Trust’s collection – you will see examples of vehicles ranging from hulks rescued from scrap yards and awaiting attention to fully restored and active examples. The vehicles we have on display revive memories of years gone by with a wide variety of makes, models, and liveries long since disappeared from our streets. During Doors Open Day, guided tours will give visitors a “behind the scenes” look at the building and its facilities. The tours will also explain what it was like when it was a working bus garage and explore the restoration activities currently in progress, including the Trust’s “Back on the Road” programme.
Bridgeton Bus Garage was built for Glasgow Corporation Transport, opening in 1965. A prime example of industrial architecture from that era, with a more functional than decorative appearance. The garage operated ‘til 1976, then used as a local authority internal transport depot before being leased by Glasgow City Council to the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust in 2003. It is now a heritage centre for buses and commercial vehicles. There will be over 120 exhibits displaying much of the uses and commercial vehicles. There will be over 120 exhibits displaying much of the Trust’s collection – you will see examples of vehicles ranging from hulks rescued from scrap yards and awaiting attention to fully restored and active examples. The vehicles we have on display revive memories of years gone by with a wide variety of makes, models, and liveries long since disappeared from our streets. During Doors Open Day, guided tours will give visitors a “behind the scenes” look at the building and its facilities. The tours will also explain what it was like when it was a working bus garage and explore the restoration activities currently in progress, including the Trust’s “Back on the Road” programme.

The garage is now well established as a heritage centre for buses and commercial vehicles. There are around 150 buses, coaches, commercial vehicles and fire vehicles in the collection.  Vehicles are usually owned by individuals or small groups and range from hulks rescued from scrap yards and awaiting restoration to fully restored and active examples. Vehicles from the collection participate in events within the city and beyond, often allowing the public the opportunity to travel on them. 

The Trust has since 2005 operated a project called Back on the Road which aims to assist those with drug or alcohol addiction problems by providing work experience which will prepare them for a return to employment and society in general.  The project operates in conjunction with the local addiction agencies and has proved to be very successful in achieving its aims.

The Trust works closely the Riverside Museum on promoting joint events and the Bridgeton garage is open to the public on days that can be found on their events page.

Watch the video above to discover more about the work of the vehicle trust.

Related topics:Glasgow

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