Bus driver who helped save Grangemouth residents from fire nominated for award

Pamela McCluskey was one of the first to react last Bonfire Night when a blaze took hold in Kingseat Avenue, Grangemouth.

The First Scotland East driver brought her vehicle to a halt after noticing flames coming from a flat and quickly alerted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

While on the phone, the Allandale woman headed to the rear of the flats to assess the extent of the fire and saw it spreading towards a property directly above.

At that point she entered the building and began banging on doors and windows to spread the word and ensure residents got out in time.

The 47-year-old dismissed the idea of her actions being deemed heroic in the aftermath of the incident.

However, the judging panel of the Scottish Transport Awards 2020 has taken a different view and has included Pamela on the shortlist for the Frontline Employee of the Year gong.

The winners are due to be announced at a ceremony planned for September.

Pamela said: “I am both shocked and proud in equal measure to have been shortlisted at the Scottish Transport Awards.

“I appreciate being nominated for my actions and at the time I just leapt into action and at no time did this for a pat on the back.

“I just did what I thought anyone else would do. I informed the duty controller at the time only because I was pleased that I still ran my service to time!”

Jason Hackett, depot operations manager for First Midland in Larbert, said: “I am extremely proud that Pamela has been recognised by her colleagues and shortlisted for the STA awards.

“After spotting a fire in progress at a block of flats and leaping into action by informing residents, Pamela has undoubtedly avoided what could only be described as a potential catastrophic disaster.

“Whilst reacting to this situation, she ensured her safety and the safety of other at all times. She truly is a superstar and demonstrated our core values. She is our very own local superhero!”

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you