First Bus manager’s role in Scotland public transport praised by parliament

A manager with First Bus in Aberdeen has received recognition in the Scottish Parliament for his services to public transport.

David Adam retires as Operations Manager of the depot in Aberdeen at the end of August after a career spanning almost 50 years.

He was surprised this week by local MSP Jackie Dunbar, who presented a framed copy of a Motion submitted to parliament which praises his achievements for First Bus and wider involvement in history-making events in Scotland.

David, 63, and known by all his colleagues and friends as Davie, said: “I am very proud to have worked in the bus industry for 47 years. I have witnessed a lot of changes in that time not only in the bus industry but in Aberdeen itself. I think the biggest change has been the move to electric buses and contactless ticketing which has improved the experience for passengers in every way.”

During his career, Davie’s logistics expertise has been called on to play an important role in major occasions. These have included support for Operation Unicorn where he coordinated transport between Ballater and Balmoral following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, successfully managing transport for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, one of the largest sporting events held in the country, and coordinating transport for significant events in Aberdeen such as the 2025 Tall Ships and multiple Offshore Europe conferences, the biennial gathering of the international energy industry in the city.

Jackie Dunbar MSP said: “I am pleased that the Scottish Parliament has recognised the 47 year career of Davie Adam at First Bus. He has played a key role in a number of major events, such as managing transport for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and more recently the fantastic Tall Ships festival we had in Aberdeen last year.

“Davie has ensured folk could get to and from their destination, whether that’s day-to-day or during major events, and I thought it was important to recognise the man behind it all.

“I am wishing Davie all the best for his retirement.”

He began his career at Aberdeen Corporation Transport in January 1979, starting as an office junior aged 16 before moving into the operational side of public transport, rising from conductor to driver, inspector and controller.

His progress continued as bus services came under the ownership of FirstGroup in 1997. Davie was promoted to the role of operations manager at First Bus in 2011 and he has maintained leadership of its fleet and network across Aberdeen and the wider region for the past 15 years.

Davie added: ““When I first started working as an office junior the best thing about the place was working with the people and now retiring as Operations Manager for First Bus Aberdeen the thing I am going to miss the most is the people.

“I am looking forward to spending time with my family and grandson, and I might visit the odd golf course now and then.”

Picture captions:

Davie Adam 1: Davie displays the framed Scottish Parliament Motion with Jackie Dunbar MSP surrounded by colleagues at the King Street depot.

Davie Adam 2 & 3: Davie shows off the framed Scottish Parliament Motion with Jackie Dunbar MSP.

Davie Adam 4: Davie and Jackie Dunbar MSP share a joke with colleagues after he was surprised with a framed copy of the Scottish Parliament Motion in offices at the King Street depot.

Ends