An eight-year-old bus enthusiast from Ayr has enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at Stagecoach’s Kilmarnock Depot after his passion for the company’s buses earned him another VIP visit. Mack Caddis, a pupil at Kincaidston Primary School, visited the depot on 14 August to learn more about the local bus operation and meet members of the Stagecoach team.
Mack’s fascination with buses began when he was four. Temporary traffic lights outside his home gave him a close view of double-decker buses stopping on the busy main road, sparking an interest that has continued to grow.
Since then, the youngster has taught himself about bus registrations, routes and fleet numbers. He regularly travels to Ayr bus station to photograph and film buses, and particularly enjoys visiting Stagecoach depots.
From Ayr bus station to Kilmarnock
The Kilmarnock trip was not Mack’s first depot visit. He had previously visited Stagecoach’s Ayr depot and travelled to the company’s Arran depot last year. The latest experience gave him another opportunity to see how the operation works and meet the people involved in running the services.
His enthusiasm is also familiar at school. When Mack began Primary 1, Kincaidston Primary School adapted its nativity play so that Mary and Joseph could arrive by Stagecoach bus.
“Mack has honestly been obsessed with Stagecoach buses since he was just four years old. It all kicked off right outside our house on the busy main road when some temporary traffic lights went up. The double-deckers would stop right there, and that was it – he was hooked!”
Mack’s mum, Jodi Caddis, said his interest now covered everything from registrations and routes to fleet numbers. She added that visits to Ayr bus station, where he takes pictures and videos, genuinely make his day.
Jodi said Mack hopes to become a bus driver when he is older, with a particular ambition to drive a double-decker on the 97 route to Craig Tara.
A future behind the wheel?
For now, visiting different depots remains Mack’s favourite part of his bus travels. His mum praised Rachel Hart at Stagecoach for repeatedly organising the visits and thanked the staff for making him feel welcome.
“Mack’s enthusiasm for buses and his knowledge of our fleet is remarkable. It’s always a pleasure to help arrange these visits and give him the opportunity to meet the teams behind our services. He continues to impress us with his passion and incredible attention to detail.”
Stagecoach Marketing Assistant Rachel Hart said Mack’s knowledge and enthusiasm continued to impress the company. The young Ayr fan can now add Kilmarnock to his growing list of depot visits while continuing to build the expertise that could eventually lead to a career behind the wheel of a Stagecoach double-decker.