A MAJOR bus operator has scooped several prizes at the UK Bus Awards.

It comes after McGill's announced they won four awards which recognise its "outstanding services, people, and environmental credentials" at the event.

One of the prizes for the company was won by Colin Smith in the Engineer of the Year category, who was crowned the "Gold Winner".

Colin led the introduction of electric buses and accompanying infrastructure projects at McGill's Johnstone Depot before heading up to the ongoing transformation at Midland Bluebird depots in the central belt.

Another award won was in the Top Express Route category, where the company's "Clyde Flyer" route from Glasgow to Largs was named the "Silver Winner".

On top of that, McGill's was also named the "Silver Winner" in the Environmental Innovation category for the company's Journey to Net Zero and a "Silver Winner" in the Bus Operator of the Year, shire category.

Alex Hornby, Group Managing Director at McGill’s, said: "This is another momentous occasion for everyone at McGill’s as we celebrate winning four prestigious awards at the UK Bus Awards.

"It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team in providing outstanding services and embracing environmental sustainability.

"Colin Smith’s recognition as the Gold Winner for Engineer of the Year is well-deserved.

"His leadership in overseeing the technical side of electric innovation at the Johnstone Depot and then working on transformation at Midland Bluebird typifies his hard work ethic and commitment to our wider company values in sustainability and quality.

"The Clyde Flyer's Silver Win in the Top Express Route category reflects not only its remarkable increase in customer numbers but also our ability to adapt and excel even in challenging times.

"We're proud to see weekend leisure travel surpassing 2019 levels - and this will increase further as additional buses are added in the lead-up to Christmas.

“Our Journey to Net Zero is not just a business strategy but a commitment to environmental stewardship.

"Through the support of Sandy and James Easdale, our £55 million investment in electric buses showcases McGill’s dedication to being one of the top bus companies in the UK for fleet decarbonisation and we are thrilled this has been noticed within the wider industry.

"Being named a Silver Winner in the Bus Operator of the Year (Shire category) is a recognition of the progress we have made since the continued growth of the group through acquisition and business recovery.

"We are starting to see increased passenger numbers and improved customer satisfaction and that is down to the hard work the team has put in over that period - with more to come as we move forward.

"As we celebrate these wins, our thanks go to our colleagues, customers, stakeholders and suppliers for supporting McGill’s over the last year and continuing to help our journey towards sustainability, innovation, and providing exceptional service to the communities we serve."