Baxter's bus at Coatbridge Fountain ? 1970

Image: © Alan Murray-Rust Taken: 18 Sep 1970

This view shows the fountain (in part) in its original position close to the railway bridge. It was erected in commemoration of Alexander Whitelaw, who in 1872 organised the relocation of the railway line away from the main street to create a civic space. It has since been relocated further east https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4681741 to improve the road junction. It is Listed grade C. The bridge https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1811955 was erected as part of the relocation of the railway and is also Listed, Grade B. Baxter's buses of Airdrie ran local services in the Airdrie and Coatbridge area, and were an independent family firm until 1962 when they were bought by major operator Eastern Scottish. After an initial period of integration, Eastern Scottish reverted to the Baxter's identity, which clearly had significant local goodwill. No.114 is an AEC Reliance with Burlingham bodywork new to Baxter's in 1959. It is working the local service into Coatbridge from the Townhead area. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0