Dunfermline Drivers Sweep Up at Bus Drivers of the Year Competition

• Two drivers from Stagecoach's Dunfermline depot have won the top prizes in this year's competition
• Aleksei Solovjov and Stuart Grubb will now compete in the Bus Driver of the Year final in Blackpool

Stagecoach, the UK’s leading bus operator, has crowned Aleksei Solovjov, from Dunfermline depot, “Driver of the Year” at Stagecoach East Scotland’s Bus Driver of the Year competition, building on his second-place finish from last year. 

Drivers from five of Stagecoach East Scotland’s depots took part in the annual competition where they had the opportunity to show their knowledge, skills, and expertise in different challenges, both theory-based and practical. 

All drivers in the competition demonstrated their knowledge, skills and professionalism with fellow Dunfermline depot driver, Stuart Grubb, taking second place. Aleksei and Stuart will now attend the national final in Blackpool on Sunday 14th September, competing against drivers from bus companies across the UK. 

The final will see finalists complete a three-mile course, including manoeuvring exercises followed by a circuit, in normal traffic conditions, along the iconic Blackpool Promenade and Middle Walk. 

David Frenz, Stagecoach East Scotland’s Interim Managing Director said: “We’re extremely proud of Aleksei and Stuart for finishing in the top two places in the East Scotland Driver of the Year competition and we can’t wait to cheer them on in Blackpool this September. 

“The competition is a great chance to recognise and reward the efforts of our drivers each year. I would like to give a special thank you to Kenneth Dowie, Graeme Gilfillan, and Angus Dakers from our Training Team for all their hard work and in running the event this year.”