Lothian has crowned a new Driver of the Year following its annual Bus Driver of the Year final at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston on Tuesday 28 May.

17 finalists from across the Lothian Group competed on the day, excelling in three specially designed challenges – a theory test, a practical road driving test and an obstacle course.

Thomas Gilhooley of East Coast Buses took first place overall, with Gary Black and John O’Hara, of Lothian’s Airlink and Longstone teams respectively, making up the podium.

Lothian will now send representatives to the UK Bus Driver of the Year Final in Blackpool later in the year, hoping to go one better than last year’s incredible result, when two of the award-winning operator’s’ drivers finished in the top three.

Willie Hamilton, Operations Director for Lothian said: “Our drivers do an incredible job day in, day out delivering for the 2 million customers who choose to travel with us each week.

“Our Bus Driver of the Year event is always a great opportunity to highlight the technical expertise and professionalism of our driving team. This year was no different, with incredible scores posted across the board.

“A huge congratulations goes to Thomas, Gary and John for their efforts on the day. My fingers are crossed we can bring the UK Driver of the Year title back to Edinburgh this year.”