Lothian Buses: historical series

English: The historical series of route branding schemes worn by buses operated by Lothian Buses. It was rolled out as a replacement of five existing branding schemes which had a Harlequin livery base, giving them new schemes using the new Classic livery as the base. Each scheme used a name and image associated with a historical element of the route. The route 29 scheme has subsequently been updated again (as orange in the plain number series), while the rest have been depreciated, replaced with standard Classic livery buses.

Double-deckers edit

The Lady Victoria (routes 3/3A) edit

The Lady Victoria scheme referenced the various coal mines in Midlothian which greatly expanded in the Victorian period.

branding elements
common elements (shared by the three double-decker schemes)
  • a brand colour replacing the standard Classic upper white area, leaving a thin white barrier line
  • the brand name applied on both sides, behind an image
  • the brand name, image and some explanatory text, all applied on the rear engine cover
  • the brand name applied on the front, below the standard fleetname
  • a list of 12 route points applied along the sides (diagonally)
scheme specific elements
  • brand colour: yellow
  • image: pit head mining wheel
  • text: "Reflecting Midlothian's extensive mining heritage."
  • route points: "Clovenstone, Wester Hailes, Sighthill, Gorgie, Haymarket, City Centre, Bridges, Gilmerton, Dalkeith, Mayfield, Newtongrange, Gorebridge"

The Mill Race (routes 44/44A) edit

The Mill Race scheme referenced the various water mills that existed along part of the route.

branding elements
common elements (shared by the three double-decker schemes)

see The Lady Victoria

scheme specific elements
  • brand colour: grey
  • image: water mill & miller
  • text: "The many watermills between Juniper Green and Balerno on the Water of Leith offered livelihoods to generations of mill workers."
  • route points: "Balerno, Juniper Green, Slateford, Shandon, Haymarket, City Centre, Meadowbank, Willowbrae, Brunstane, Musselburgh, Wallyford, Tranent"

The Pen-Y-Cog (routes 37/47/X47) edit

The Pen-Y-Cog scheme referenced the history of Penicuik.

branding elements
common elements (shared by the three double-decker schemes)

see The Lady Victoria

scheme specific elements
  • brand colour: blue
  • image: a cuckoo
  • text: "Penicuik, lying on the west bank of the River North Esk in Midlothian, derives its name from the Ancient Brythonic phrase 'Hill of the Cuckoo'."
  • route points: "Silverknowes 37, Granton 47, Crewe Toll, City Centre, Bridges, Cameron Toll, Liberton, Burdiehouse, Loanhead 37, PARK & RIDE Straiton 47, Bilston, Penicuik"

Single-deckers edit

common elements, single-deckers
  • a brand colour replacing the standard Classic white on the sides above the lower window line, and on the rear, but leaving the white strip underneath the windscreen
  • the brand name and an image applied on both sides (on the windows to the rear)
  • the brand name, image and some explanatory text, all applied on the rear engine cover
  • the brand name applied on the front, below the standard fleetname
  • a list of route points applied along the sides on the roof

The Stock Brig (route 29) edit

The Stock Brig scheme referenced the fact Stockbridge was named after a wooden bridge, the Stock Brig.

scheme specific elements
  • brand colour: orange
  • image: horse & cart crossing the wooden bridge
  • text: "Stockbridge takes its name from the wooden bridge that originally crossed the Water of Leith. This bus takes you there."
  • route points: "Silverknowes, Crewe Toll, Western General, Stockbridge, City Centre, Cameron Toll, Gilmerton, Newtongrange, Mayfield or Gorebridge"

The Queen of Scots (route 49) edit

The Queen of Scots referenced the links between Little France and Mary, Queen of Scots.

scheme specific elements
  • brand colour: blue
  • image: Mary, Queen of Scots
  • text: "Mary resided at Craigmillar Castle. The small hamlet nearby became known as Little France after her French Retainers stayed there."
  • route points: "The Jewel, Portobello, Lochend, Leith, City Centre, Cameron Toll, Royal Infirmary, Little France, Dalkeith, Polton , Rosewel"