A team of Scottish transport workers will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Queen's Baton during its journey to this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Eighteen staff members from the UK's leading public transport operator, FirstGroup, will help transport the iconic baton as it travels through Scotland for 40 days during June and July.
The baton, which has visited 70 nations and territories since October 2013, will then take a central role in the Opening Ceremony of the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on 23 July.
The batonbearers include nine colleagues from ScotRail, six from First Bus, one from First TransPennine Express and two from FirstGroup's Aberdeen headquarters.
All staff involved in the relay are known for their work for community groups or charities, or to improve public transport services for customers.
Chief Executive of FirstGroup, Tim O'Toole, said: "We are proud of our Scottish heritage and the important role we play connecting people and communities up and down Scotland, every day.
"Our employees at First Bus, First TransPennine Express and First ScotRail are well prepared to manage the extra demand for public transport services during Glasgow 2014. It will be a truly memorable experience for everyone involved, and for those taking part in the Queen's Baton Relay in particular."
Craig Ireland, 39, from Dunfermline, a ScotRail train driver at Edinburgh Waverley, will carry the baton in Edinburgh on Saturday 14 June.
Craig is a tireless campaigner for the Meningitis Trust. The keen runner, whose daughter Holly was affected by the illness, has raised thousands of pounds for the charity through long-distance running and walking events.
Craig said: "When I am running with the baton, it wont just be for me, it will be for everyone who has supported me along the way."
Jon Wright, 46, from Tain in Ross-shire, a ScotRail maintenance engineer at Inverness Depot, will carry the baton in the Highlands on Friday 11 July.
Jon holds ScotRail's Outstanding Contribution to Corporate Social Responsibility Award for his exceptional efforts to improve recycling awareness and practices.
Jon said: "I was really surprised when I found out the news " not many people get the opportunity to carry the baton. Its a real privilege and one that Im looking forward to.'
Ross Short, 21, from Clydebank, a ScotRail engineering apprentice at Corkerhill Depot, will carry the baton in Inverclyde on Monday 14 July.
Ross is ScotRail's reigning Engineering Apprentice of the Year, having impressed his colleagues with his enthusiasm, desire to learn and constant professionalism since joining the programme in 2011.
Ross said: "To be as ked to take part in the Queen's Baton Relay in your home town is very exciting " it will be something that I'll never forget. I'm really looking forward to the experience."
Bob McLaren, 55, from Carmyle in Glasgow, who works for ScotRail at Yoker depot, will carry the baton in Renfrewshire on Thursday 17 July.
Bob was selected for impacting positively on his colleagues and for his excellent teamwork.
Bob said: "I feel really honoured and privileged to be representing ScotRail and my community as part of the Queens Baton Relay. It will definitely be a day to remember."
Alexander Dey, 21, from Glasgow, a ScotRail ticket examiner at Dalmuir, will carry the baton in West Dunbartonshire on Friday 18 July.
Alexander was among the first group of young people recruited to ScotRail's award-winning Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Service programme in 2011. He is an ambassador for the programme, and has spoken about his experience at the Scottish and Westminster parliaments.
Alexander said: "I'm really pleased to be representing ScotRail and my community as part of the Queens Baton Relay, in a city that I am extremely proud of."
Raymond McLaren, 52, from Glasgow, a ScotRail station staff member at Cumbernauld, will carry the baton in West Dunbartonshire on Friday 18 July.
Raymond holds ScotRails award for Outstanding Contribution to Customer Service, in particular for his efforts to provide a warm welcome to customers and keep Cumbernauld station looking its best.
Raymond said: "Being selected to take part in the Queen's Baton Relay was truly unexpected, I actually couldnt quite believe it when I found out. It certainly is a great privilege and I am really looking forward to it."
Robert Campbell, 48, from Airdrie, a ScotRail conductor at Glasgow Central station, will carry the baton in Glasgow city centre sometime between 20-23 July.
Robert is ScotRail's current Employee of the Year for the professionalism he showed while dealing with a train full of rowdy football fans, and his quick-thinking when preventing a distressed customer from walking on to a train track.
Robert said: "I was over the moon when I found out that I was going to be one of ScotRails batonbearers. I think its great that a range of staff will be representing the company in this way."
Jennifer Guthrie, 40, from Dunfermline, a ScotRail support team leader at Edinburgh Waverley, will carry the baton in Fife on Thursday 26 June.
Jennifer has a long and successful history of leading by example by helping to provide quality customer service at stations, particular during major events.
Jennifer said: "When I first discovered that I had been nominated to take part in the Queen's Baton Relay, I couldnt believe it. It wasnt until I was telling my colleagues that I realised my nomination was not for one particular thing but for my efforts over the last 23 years, which really means a lot."
Theresa Gault, 54, from Bearsden, ScotRail's sponsorship and events manager based in Glasgow, will carry the baton in East Dunbartonshire on Saturday 19 July.
Theresa is at the heart of ScotRails operational planning team for the Commonwealth Games and will work tirelessly to ensure rail services run smoothly come Games time. In 2013, she received ScotRails Outstanding Contribution to the Railway Award.
Theresa said: "I am absolutely ecstatic and astounded to be chosen to take part in this unique event."
FirstGlasgow bus driver, James Gallacher, who is based at the company's Scotstown Depot, will carry the baton in East Ayrshire on Saturday 21 June.
The 50 year old has been driving buses for First for 19 years and in 2013 won First Glasgow's annual Superstar award, which recognises drivers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Jim was nominated a Superstar by a member of the public for his actions in supporting a vulnerable person on one of Firsts services.
Jim said: "I'm really looking forward to carrying the baton on June 21. It will be a nerve-wracking experience but one Im very excited about. All my family will be there to support me."
Jason Boyce, a bus driver at First Glasgow's Parkhead depot, will carry the baton through South Lanarkshire on Sunday June 22.
The 39 year old has more than 12 years service with First. A keen runner, Jason can often be seen pounding the streets near his home in Glasgow and spends a lot of his free time helping several charities. He recently ran two half marathons raising money for MS Scotland and CHAS Scotland and will run again later this year on behalf of Poppyscotland.
Jason said: "I cant wait for Glasgow 2014 to begin. Ill be driving buses during the Games and look forward to welcoming customers on board from across the Commonwealth."
First Glasgow's lead administrator, Jean Fraser, will carry the baton through South Lanarkshire on Sunday June 22.
Jean is based at First Glasgow's Larkfield Depot and has worked for First since 1978. She has been instrumental in organising and encouraging staff participation in fundraising days to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. For the past 36 years Jean has lead the 6th Motherwell Guide unit and is the assistant county commissioner for Girlguiding in South Lanarkshire.
Jean, who lives in Overtown, said: "I was really surprised and really delighted when I was told Id been selected to be a Baton Holder. I'll be carrying the baton on behalf of all my First Glasgow colleagues who have done so much to support good causes, and in particular Macmillan."
Bus Driver and Employee Director at First Scotland East, John Lyall, will carry the baton through Musselburgh on June 17.
John, who lives in Musselburgh with his wife, Evelyn, is well known in the local community for his charitable work. He has raised thousands of pounds over the years for good causes such as Save the Children, Sick Kids and others. Most recently he raised around £1,000 for cancer charity, Macmillan, by soaking in a bath of baked beans for five hours at Waverley Station in Edinburgh.
John said: "Its a tremendous privilege to carry the baton and to be able to do so in my home town of Musselburgh will make the occasion even more special."
First Aberdeen bus driver Shane Mitchell will carry the baton in Aberdeenshire on Sunday 29 June.
39 year old Shane, from Sheddocksley in Aberdeen, saved the life of one of his passengers after suffering a heart attack on board his bus. By applying CPR, 72-year-old Allan Mclean can continue his life and enjoy spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Shane said: "I did what anyone would have done in the circumstances and am just thankful that Allan is making a good recovery. I'm really looking forward to carrying the baton " its a great honour."
Andrew Ballantyne, a First Aberdeen bus driver, will carry the baton on Sunday 29 June in Aberdeenshire.
Andrew, 55, lives in the Birdge of Don and has been driving buses for around three years. He was awarded First Aberdeen's internal Superstar award after he came to the rescue of one of his elderly customers, who was lost and suffering from dementia.
Andrew said: "I would never have thought that a career driving buses would lead to carrying the Queens Baton ahead of the Glasgow 2104 Commonwealth Games. My family and I cant wait for 29 June."
Catherine Duxbury, 48, from Torrance in East Dunbartonshire, who works as a conductor on First TransPennine Express's cross-border services, will carry the baton in Glasgow city centre sometime between 20-23 July.
Catherine was named Conductor of the Year for TransPennine Express in 2012 and Ambassador of the Year the following year.
Catherine said: "I am very proud and honoured to be part of a unique team that has carried the spirit of the Commonwealth Games over land and sea to my home town of Glasgow. Come rain or shine, it will certainly be a day that I will remember forever."
Kristina Hunter, 26, from Aberdeen's Ferryhill, is a Reward and Pensions Associate at FirstGroup's headquarters in Aberdeen and will carry the baton on Sunday 29 June in Aberdeenshire.
Kristina currently volunteers for Aberdeen based charity Befriend a Child. Having spent nearly four years befriending the same child, Kristina has noticed a big difference in the youngster's development and confidence. Kristina also spent three months in Malawi on a voluntary community care project.
Kristina said: "Its a little overwhelming that my voluntary work with Befriend a Child has resulted in the honour of carrying the Queens Baton. Im delighted to have the opportunity."
Kristen McHugh, 31, has been a PA for more than six years at FirstGroup's headquarters in Aberdeen and will carry the baton on Sunday 29 June in Aberdeenshire.
Kristen is a keen fundraiser and recently raised money for children's charities in Scotland by completing the Baker Hughes 10k and the Aberdeen Kiltwalk.
Kristen said: "Im really excited to be given the opportunity of carrying the Baton " all my family will be there to support me."
Media enquiries
Danny Carden, ScotRail communications: [email protected] / 0141 335 5087
Niall Dowds, First UK Bus communications: [email protected] / 01224 650011
Notes to editors
First Bus and First ScotRail are proud to be Official Supporters of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, providing passenger rail and bus services. We are proud of our Scottish heritage and the important role we play connecting people and communities up and down Scotland. First ScotRail is planning the most extensive train timetable that Scotland has ever seen in support of the Games with additional carriages and more frequent services running until late at night for spectators as well as regular customers. Our UK Bus division was awarded the contract to offer shuttle services for athletes, technical officials, media and sponsors during the Games, and will operate additional buses around the city in order to transport the large numbers of spectators expected.