Fife Squirrel Scouts go nuts for buses after depot visit

Back row (left to right): Glenn Feighery, Lynn Davidson, Sonia Kerr. Front row (left to right): Mellisa Slater, Ashleigh Fotheringham, Jen Stewart. <i>(Image: Stagecoach)</i>
Back row (left to right): Glenn Feighery, Lynn Davidson, Sonia Kerr. Front row (left to right): Mellisa Slater, Ashleigh Fotheringham, Jen Stewart. (Image: Stagecoach)
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A group of Squirrels have gone nuts for buses after a behind-the-scenes adventure exploring how daily journeys are powered by a team effort.

The 2nd Fife Squirrels, the junior section of the Scouts, visited the Stagecoach depot in Dunfermline as part of an educational outing to learn how bus services operate and who helps keep them on the road.

The visit supported the youngsters, aged four to six, as they worked towards their Local Hero and Community Impact badges.

Lee Strachan, operations manager at Stagecoach Dunfermline, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome the 2nd Fife Squirrels to our depot and give them an insight into the people and processes that help keep our services running every day.

"The children showed great enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the visit and we hope they left with a better understanding of the important role public transport plays in their community.

"I'd also like to thank Ashleigh Fotheringham for her hard work in organising and co-ordinating the visit.

"Her enthusiasm and commitment helped create a memorable experience for everyone involved."

The children enjoyed a guided tour of the depot, where they explored a bus, went through the vehicle wash, visited the engineering workshop, saw the electric vehicle charging facilities, and met staff in the traffic office who help coordinate services.

The experience was framed around the ‘local heroes’ theme, helping the Squirrels understand the vital roles played by bus drivers, engineers, operational support, and others in keeping the community connected.

The group also learned about Stagecoach’s investment in electric buses and how sustainable transport can help reduce congestion and support cleaner air.

Ashleigh Fotheringham, Squirrel leader and engineering administrator at Stagecoach Dunfermline, said: "The Squirrels are working towards their Local Hero and Community Impact badges, and I wanted them to learn that local heroes come in many forms.

"People who help deliver bus services every day provide a vital service to the community, connecting people with work, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities.

"We also wanted the children to understand the positive environmental impact of public transport and the work that goes into keeping buses safe, reliable and ready for service.

"By helping young people learn more about buses and the people who operate them, we're also encouraging respect for public transport and the colleagues who work hard behind the scenes every day."

Each child received a Stagecoach goodie bag to mark the occasion.

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