Tributes paid to former Kirkintilloch bus driver

Robert, of Crosshill Avenue, passed away recently at the age of 74.

Robert was a huge fan of singer Matt Munro, who was catapulted to fame after driving the buses.

While Robert never achieved the heady heights of his hero, for more than 20 years passengers on his route as a driver for Alexander & Sons bus firm were regularly treated to his talented singing.

His daughter Michelle said: “Dad became renowned in Kirkintilloch for his passionate singing voice.

“Many remember his renditions of the Matt Munro hit, Walk Away.

“People have spoken too about his cheerful attitude and obliging nature on the local Lumloch and later Laburnum Grove run.

“He used to pick up people between bus stops and back in the days when Kirky was a dry town he would happily collect the ‘bonafide’ travellers for their return journey to Torrance and entertain them with a sing-song and a joke.”

Robert married his childhood sweetheart Evelyn Maclure in 1962 in St Mary’s Church. The two separated some years later, but remained lifelong friends. He attended Townhead School, leaving at the age of 15 to become an apprentice joiner alongside his twin brother James.

At first Robert pursued a career in the building trade, working for Girlings, Marley Tiles and Hercules Piling for a time before taking up a job on the buses.

He worked for the local bus company for more than 20 years, retiring in 1986.

Robert passed away peacefully at home on March 8 after a short but brave battle with lung cancer.

Michelle added: “The large turnout to his funeral is a testament to how much he was loved. He was a familiar face in Kirky and will be sorely missed.”

Robert is survived by his partner Anna, his three children and six grandchildren.