|
| |
| January
2002 |
 |
| The
Vale of Leven lies to the North West of Glasgow and comprises five
communities - Alexandria, Bonhill, Renton, Jamestown and Balloch.
Loch Lomond laps the pier at Balloch and is a favourite destination of
those escaping the hubub of the Scottish capital. For many
years Central SMT provided local services and operated the trunk routes
133/134/136 to Glasgow. Other companies included
Gareloachhead Motor Services who ran into Helensburgh and Barries of
Balloch who's coaches ran on Coulport contracts. |
 |
| First
Glasgow MD3 (P854VUS) and McColls F27XOF at Westcliff terminus in
Dumbarton. |
|
|
| Central
vehicles were garaged at Gavinburn depot beneath the Erskine Bridge. |
 |
| Scotland:
click to enlarge |
|
Both
Barries and Garelochhead Motors disappeared in the 1980's and Central SMT
is now part of the vast First Glasgow empire. Gavinburn depot
shut and a small compound in Dumbarton houses the First fleet.
Competition may be a thing of the past in most of the UK, but not in the
Vale of Leven. Recently McColls Coaches have started
competing with First Glasgow on local services in Dumbarton and
Alexandria. The twist in the tale ? They're based
at the old Barrie's depot near Balloch.
This article looks at current operation
in the Vale of Leven and reflects on times gone by when red was crimson. |
 |
| Above: One of the most recognisable
landmarks in the area is Alexandria Fountain. It
features in many old photographs of the town, and is the meeting
point of most of the main bus routes. First Glasgow MD2
(P853VUS) is seen on the (205) service to Haldane. |
|
 |
| Above: The Vale
of Leven population expanded dramatically in the 1970's when it was
decided to accommodate Glasgow overspill in new housing in Bonhill.
McColl's MCW Metrobus GOG267W is seen leaving Ladyton, one of several
such sprawling estates. |
|
 |
| Right:
Apart
from the obvious charms of Loch Lomond, the Vale of Leven cannot be
thought of as a major tourist destination.
Those that stop for an ice cream en route to the lochs and
the glens would be surprised by the tranquillity of the Christie
Park.
The peace of the park contrasts with the buzz of the main
road where a McColls Metrobus is seen here heading from Alexandria
to Bonhill. |
|
 |
| First-Free
Buses |
 |
 |
Above
Central SMT Bristol FLF's and an LD at Balloch Bus Stance in October
1974.
Middle:
Garelochhead Motors MUS104P, a Duple Bus-bodied Leopard, at
Helensburgh railway station in July 1976.
Below:
Barries of Balloch ended its days at the Torpedo Factory in
Alexandria, where its
MPL126W is seen in March 1988. |
 |
|
 Tendered
Services
In common with other parts of Scotland, most of the rural services
around the Vale of Leven are operated under tender.
First Glasgow operate an hourly service from Dumbarton to
Helensburgh and First Edinburgh (ie Midland) operate the
cross-country and cross-region Stirling to Balloch route from its
Balfron depot. Ironically
McColl operate tendered services to Gartocharn and Luss, which is
the destination for their W514PSF seen at Balloch. |
Helensburgh
All services in Helensburgh operate under tender.
Wilson of Rhu and Garelochhead Coaches provide minibuses for
the local routes and those to Rhu and Garelochhead.
Wilson’s N400RHU
is seen at Churchill Square on the Helensburgh
town service. |
 |
|
 Express
Services
Before the bypass was built in 1975, the Glasgow to Campbeltown
service used to trundle through Jamestown, Alexandria and Balloch.
For many years, Western SMT black/white liveried Leopards
were the mainstay and along with Highland Fords on the Oban and Uig
services they provided some variety to the local bus scene.
All
three routes are now operated by Citylink coaches which stop only at
Balloch on the main A82 road.
West Coast Motors M100WCM is seen at the Balloch roundabout
on its way to Campbeltown. |
| Vale
of Leven |
|
| |
|
| Click |
to
enlarge photos |
| |
All photos
taken in April 2001 |
| |
|
| Links |
Torpedo
Factory |
|
|
 |
|
