Lanarkshire, the most populous of Scotland’s historic counties, at one time had a vast number of bus owners, many with only one bus. In the 1920s these one-man bands vied for business between each other and with the trams, and accidents and minor brushes with the law were not unknown.
In this fascinating study of a bygone age by transport historian Richard Gadsby, the stories behind these days are told in detail, including reference to the Lanarkshire A1 Association, an attempt by small operators to fight the “big boys”, but without the success found in neighbouring Ayrshire.
Produced to the recognised fleet history format, the stories cover known independent operators up to 1940 from Agnew to Little, and subsequent details for those concerns still trading then, iconic names such as Baxter of Airdrie, Cotter of Glasgow and Hutchison of Overtown. Details of over 160 operators, large and small, are recorded.
Published in two volumes, the books are illustrated with wonderful period pictures of the area.