Local bus passing through Achnamara Village
The photograph courtesy of Fiona Green shows the local bus that travelled between Lochgilphead and Achnamara village and would prove to be a lifeline for the villagers for shopping trips. There were very few family cars at this time.
Fiona comments - “The bus is passing 17 Achnamara (Shaw family home) with 14 Achnamara at the rear of the bus and 15 & 16 just at the back right, slightly off the picture. The bus was owned by Malcy McLauchlan (Maclachlan), Tayvallich.
There were two weekly grocery vans which called at Achnamara and around the country areas also a butcher’s van which would buy eggs from the villagers who had hens.
The local shop kept all the basic food items and not many villagers had cars. My parents would buy shoes and clothes from the shops in Lochgilphead also Andrew Irvine from Tighnabruich came round selling clothes and other items in his large van. I believe he is still trading and going to Islay but selling different stock now possibly flooring etc”.
Fiona’s brother Malcolm Shaw has since tracked down this actual bus as it still survives in the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum at Lathalmond. He particularly remembered the folding entrance door.
Some details – May be only surviving Ford BB bus first registered in 1935 by David Lawson. When taken over by Alexanders is was given fleet number O21. Sold subsequently to A MacConnacher of Ballachullish then to M Maclachlan and Sons Tayvallich as an 18 seat vehicle. By 1963 was used as a playbus at Tayvallich and acquired for preservation in 1967. It was restored by R Mackie and on his death was passed to the Vintage Bus Museum.
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Groups: Buildings in Forests, Forestry Areas