First Bus in Scotland today confirmed that it is supporting an innovative new venture, The Travelling Museum of British Invention.
First has donated one of its buses to arts organisation, Sing London, who have entirely refurbished the bus transforming it into a mobile museum fitted with 100 of Britain’s most important inventions, discoveries and social innovations.
From the jet engine to the NHS, gravity to radar, penicillin to hawk eye, the museum features a roll call of British achievement.
The tour starts in Scotland from today (October 14), stopping at public squares, city centres, shopping centres, schools and factories. Admission is free and the bus is designed for people of all ages.
A launch event took place at First’s Livingston depot today where drivers, engineers, mechanics and admin staff were given the first opportunity of stepping on board the Travelling Museum.
First on board was Bus Driver, David Guthrie from Bathgate. He said: “The bus looks fantastic. It’s full of lots of wonderful surprises and it’s incredible that so much has been packed on board. It was great fun, but also very educational too.”
Neil McNaught, General Manager at First Scotland East’s Livingston Depot. He said: “We are delighted to support such an exciting initiative particularly as it celebrates some of the most important transport related inventions and innovations.
“First staff across Scotland will have the opportunity of seeing the Museum – as part of its national tour, it will visit a number of our depots in Glasgow, Scotland East and Aberdeen.”
Producer of the Travelling Museum, Colette Hiller from Sing London, thanked First for its support and said: “Danny Boyle has made it ok for us to blow our own trumpets and to celebrate British achievement. Whether you’re from the UK or have adopted it, The Travelling Museum aims to give us all a blast of collective pride.”
The news drew support from Rock Superstar Brian May, who said today: ‘“I hope that these 100 exhibits get people to stop, look and wonder at our nation’s extraordinary achievement. As I have a particular interest in the stereoscope, I am delighted that this features inside the Travelling Museum.”
The Travelling Museum is produced by Sing London, the participatory arts organisation whose interventions aims to lift the public’s spirit. The project is funded by The Scottish Government &, The Royal Academy of Engineering. Additional support comes from First Scotland East who donated the bus, and from CNM, a Welsh computer company who supplied technology.