An Assistant Engineering Manager at Edinburgh Trams has been named Frontline Employee of the Year at a prestigious awards event that recognises excellence in the Scottish transport sector.
Stuart Mearns has already been hailed as a ‘lifesaver’ by colleagues for administering first aid to a member of the public involved in a collision with a fast-moving train.
Last night (September 29) his performance was recognised at the Scottish Transport Awards during a gala event that also saw Edinburgh Trams being Highly Commended in the Operator of the Year category.
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams’ Managing Director, commented:
To pick up this prestigious accolade is a fitting reward for Stuart, who instinctively leapt into action after hearing cries for help coming from the Gateway ScotRail station while on a break from work at our Gogar tram depot.
He certainly went above and beyond the call of duty and deserves the recognition for his quick thinking and cool professionalism while under extreme pressure.
Following a series of successes over the past year, Edinburgh Trams reached the shortlist in five different categories at the awards, which are supported by the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, and The Railway Industry Association.
Regarding the presentation event at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, Mr Harrison added:
To have such a strong presence at the awards reflects the hard work of the entire Edinburgh Trams team, and their commitment to delivering a world-class service to customers, as we prepare for the launch of new services to Newhaven next year.