A West Lothian-based engineering manager is in the running for a prestigious award.

Paul Branigan (34), who works for bus operator First West Lothian in Livingston, is in the running for Engineer of the Year at the UK Bus Awards.

The UK Bus Awards recognise outstanding performance, achievement and ground breaking projects delivered by the bus industry.

Paul started his career at First Bus before 12 years’ service as an engineer in the army.

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He then returned to First Bus and has been influential in taking the Livingston Depot from strength to strength.

The Livingston Depot team have won a number of accolades and achieved the highest standards.

The 33-strong team recently became the first to attain Bronze, Silver and then Gold Standard in the highly acclaimed First Bus Wrench Awards. The awards were established to develop and sustain best practice in maintenance and presentation of the First Bus fleet.

Livingston Depot was named Depot and Team of the Year Scotland in the First Group Excellence Award and Paul received the Quantum Leap Award for the team’s work in reducing lost mileage and breakdowns, and improving vehicle reliability.

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Last year the team won the West Lothian Chamber Award for Learning and Development and has a close partnership West Lothian College, providing local placements for students and an international exchange programme.

Paul said: “I see this nomination as a team achievement. Everyone in the team has worked very hard and I prefer to see this as recognition of the 100 per cent team effort we have at the depot. I’m more just the figurehead who has been nominated. Success in this role is only possible when everyone is working together and team members feel valued and listened-to. If everyone feels they are playing a valued part in the team, you can achieve anything.”

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First West Lothian managing director, Andrew Jarvis, said: “We’re very proud to have our colleague Paul Branigan shortlisted in the UK Bus Awards.

“These awards recognise the best in the industry and Paul’s place in the shortlist is testament to his positive team management, talent and experience. We wish him every success in the finals.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Tuesday, November 21.