Scores turned out yesterday to watch the poignant opening of a memorial garden honouring the lives of First Bus staff who have passed away.
The garden, outside the bus giant’s Aberdeen headquarters on King Street, has been three years in the making.
Dedicated drivers, administration and garage staff all pitched in to grow the vast array of plants in the street side green space.
A number of staff at the firm have died tragically over recent years due to unexpected heart attacks and diagnosis of terminal illnesses.
The garden was created as the result of a joint initiative by the company management and the Unite union.
It will be a place for staff and families to visit for a period of reflection and remembrance.
Yesterday, the garden was officially blessed by company chaplain, and minister of St. Mary’s church on King Street, Rev. Elsie Fortune.
She reflected on the gardens in the Bible, from Eden to Gethsemane.
She said: “It’s a privilege to be here today.
“I know there will be many special memories here and from the turnout you can see how much it means to people.”
Mike Flinn (corr), branch convener of Unite, said: “Sadly we have lost a number of colleagues over recent years.
“We see ourselves as a family so we thought it would be great to have a place to come reflect.”
Donna Wood was at the ceremony with children Charlie, 6, and Erin, 17, to honour the memory of her late husband Brian.
She said: “It was really special.”