Bluebird Buses (Stagecoach) 587 (L587 JSA) in Aberdeen – 27 Mar 2001

Tuesday 27 March 2001 (approx. 1130) – The driver of Bluebird Buses (Stagecoach Bluebird) 587 (L587 JSA) makes a dash towards his vehicle with a bundle of the (very) early edition of the ‘Evening Express’ newspapers which had only arrived at Aberdeen bus station in the printer’s van about ten minutes earlier. The carriage of parcels and newspapers on the rural bus services in northern Scotland has always played an important role. Note the various bundles on the ground. Presumably the driver has observed the sign that appeared in the front window of the Parcels Office which indicated that there were some parcels for Ballater (see photograph of building next frame but one).

The coach, a Plaxton Premiere Interurban bodied Volvo B10M new in September 1993, was bound for Braemar on service 201 – a journey of about 60 miles travelling via Ballater. Midway between Ballater and Braemar is the Royal residence of Balmoral Castle. A number of Bluebird vehicles carry the Royal Warrant crest for the contract work undertaken for the Royal Household.

The Interurban model and was bought by the Stagecoach Group for operation on longer distance stage carriage services that had previously been operated with dual purpose vehicles. It featured coach seating but also had fitments relevant for bus service operation.