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Buses Open Up Little-known Galloway
Page 114
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The Caledonian Omnibus Co., Ltd., Founded 10 Years Ago, in Dumfries, now Operates over 100 Vehicles and carried Last Year more than 4i Million Passengers YEAR by year the southern highlands of Scotland become more popular with tourists and visitors. Fifty years ago Galloway, "the lost corner of Scotland," was, to the travelling public, comparatively unknown. :The district was first opened up by the Construction of the Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Railway, linking Stranraer with the G. and S.W. Railway. Then in April, 1927, the Caledonian Omnibus Co., Ltd., was formed with headquarters in Dumfries. Operating a number of Dennis 14-seaters, this concern proceeded to build up a network of routes covering the country from Carlisle to Stranraer.
' By the gradual absorption, between 1927 and 1934, of 14 other concerns, a regular service has been established which links up Dumfries with Carlisle, Edinburgh, Sanquhar, Kirkcudbright and Stranraer. Not only first-class, but alSo many second-class roads are used, which fact is greatly appreciated by the country folk.
31 Million Miles Cevered by the Fleet in the Year.
The present fleet, numbering 107 vehicles, consists mainly of Leyland, A.E.C., Tliornycroft, Albion and Dennis machines. The last-named, which have Gardner oil engines, operate on the express routes to Strantaer, Carlisle and Edinburgh. 'During the year ended March 31, 1936, the buses covered almost 3,500,000 miles and carried 4,774,000 .passengers. There are approximately 400 operatives in regular employment and recently a 'new departure was made in the engaging of several conductresses.
At the head of affairs is Mr. S. Kennedy, chairman of the board, with Messrs. C. D. Stanley and W. Bryson as co-directors. Messrs. J. H. Martin and J. M. Harper are general manager and assistant manager, respectively, and the secretary is Mr. T. Booth.
Dumfrizs with the surrounding coun
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try holds many attractions for tourists. It has strong associations with the poet Burns and contains much picturesque scenery. The road from Gatehouse of Fleet to Newton Stewart, part of the Caledonian Dumfries-Stranraer route, is generally accepted as among the most beautiful in Britain.
With a view to developing tourist facilities, 5s. day tickets were introduced at an early date; by which travellerS might journey anywhere in one or other of three diVisions of the Carlisle-Stranraer routes and on the brandt routes by seCoridary and less known roads. In 1935 extended tours were operated to Oban (two days) and to the Scottish Highlands (five days).
Such was the popularity of this enter prise 'that operations were extended
the following year, over the Border with tours to the English Lakes and North Wales (five days) and 10-day tours through England, touching places of historic and scenic interest.
At the moment prospects of continued prosperity are bright for, during
• the 'past few years, the agricultural industry with its by-products, stimulated by the introduction of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board, has appreciably affected the activities of the company. In the Stranraer and Dumfries areas increased travelling facilities will probably be required.
A Praiseworthy Record of Freedom from Accidents.
In addition, the Air Ministry has established a new base for seaplanes at West Freuch, near Glenluce, whilst negotiations are in progress for the reopening of the old Arrol-Johnson works at Dumfries for the manufacture of aeroplane components.
The Galloway electric-power scheme is now in full operation and can claim to be one of the chief engineering feats of the century.
' During its10 years' operation the company has provided a creditably dependable service and has experienced a very small number of accidents. Almost all its drivers are members of the Safety First Association and a considerable number holds the Association's badge for five years' driving without accident.
Improvements that have been effected during the past year include the provision of new waiting rooms and a parcels office at Dumfries and the erection, at a cost of £8,000, of a new
garage at Stranraer. A parcels delivery service is operated on the recognized passenger routes, also by the coast road from Stranraer to Glasgow. In addition to its headquarters at Leafield Road, Dumfries, the company has maintenance and servicing depots at Edinburgh, Carlisle and Stranraer.