DYW and Stagecoach Celebrate 26 Winning Bus Names from Highland Schools

Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland (DYWICH), in partnership with Stagecoach Highlands, is thrilled to announce the winners of the "Name the Bus" competition.

This exciting project involved Primary 7 pupils across the region as they prepared to transition to secondary school earlier this year. It gave them a glimpse into the work of DYWICH, inspired them to think about how their learning supports future careers, and encouraged creativity through the fun task of naming buses.

A total of 26 winning names were chosen, ranging from the clever to the whimsical, with names like Bus Lightyear, Aon-adharcach (Gaelic for Unicorn), Wonder Wheels, and Skye Bus Song. These names will soon be displayed on the front of Stagecoach buses, a fitting tribute to the imagination of young Highlanders.

Davie Simpson, Interim Service Delivery Director at Stagecoach North Scotland, said: "We have been working with DYW for a few years now, aiming to show that although Stagecoach is a large company, we are deeply rooted in our local community. Projects like 'Name the Bus' allow us to connect with younger generations and gather valuable insights into what they would like to see in public transport. This initiative highlights our commitment to the communities we serve and sparks interest in potential careers in transport, from drivers to engineers to managers."

Liz Fletcher, DYWICH Programme Lead, added: "The 'Name the Bus' project has been a fantastic way to introduce young people to what we do at DYWICH while also encouraging them to think about their future. This initiative bridges creativity with community involvement and demonstrates the wonderful outcomes of partnership working. We are proud of the energy and enthusiasm the pupils brought to the competition, and we hope to see some of them take up careers in the transport sector in the future!"

Winning Names

Here are the imaginative names selected from schools across the region:

• Culloden Academy Cluster
  • Ardersier PS: Joseph Walker – Staggie
  • Ardersier PS: Isaac Ising – Bus Lightyear
  • Duncan Forbes PS: Mairi McGrath – Aon-adharcach
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• Charleston Academy Cluster
  • Teanassie PS: Alexandra – Bus Ted
  • Teanassie PS: Sarah MacLennan – Sonic the Stagecoach
  • Teanassie PS: Cameron – LadyBus
  • Kinmylies PS: Emilie – Wonder Wheels

• Glen Urquhart High School Cluster
  • Cannich Bridge PS: Hamish Speed – Speedy Ness
  • Cannich Bridge PS: Louie Macleod – Alba Gu Brath

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• Kingussie High School Cluster
  • Newtonmore PS: Jessica A – Bustin Bieber
  • Newtonmore PS: Fergus – Odious Maxibus
  • Newtonmore PS: Annabelle – alBus Dumbeldore
  • Aviemore PS: Ciaran – Skye Bus Song

• Millburn Academy Cluster
  • Raigmore PS: Ania – Wheelie the Bus
  • Raigmore PS: Billie-Jo – Lightning MacQueen
  • Raigmore PS: Alexandra Biatecka – BeeBop
  • Raigmore PS: Lara H – Mr. Bus
  • Inshes PS: Lilly M – Sunny
  • Inshes PS: Jessica Cunningham – Bus Bunny
  • Inshes PS: Grace – Grace
  • Inshes PS: Blythe M – Zoom
  • Inshes PS: Keira – Bussy Bee
  • Milton of Leys PS: Andrew MacLeod – Nessie
  • Milton of Leys PS: Struan – Giggle Gearshift
  • Milton of Leys PS: Ellie MacPherson – Bus-ta Move
  • Milton of Leys PS: Laney Cameron – Bus-tiful Day

Be sure to look out for these buses with their new names and share your spot on social media and tag Stagecoach and Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland.