Pollock (Scotrans)

RENAULT BLOOMS AT POLLOCK (SCOTRANS)!

Customised promotional model vehicle specialists, Search Impex, are pleased to announce the release of “Fleur D’Ecosse” – a 1:50 scale Renault T High (6×2) tractor unit, complete with 3 axle, skirted, curtain trailer, customised in the livery of well-known Scottish operator Pollock (Scotrans).

The model has been produced exclusively for Search Impex by WSI Models as a certificated Limited Edition (230 pieces).

Offering a comprehensive range of transport and warehousing services from their Head Office in Bathgate, Central Scotland and with operating centres throughout the UK, today’s modern operation stands in impressive contrast to the Company’s early days. Immaculately liveried in the famous turquoise, gold & red colourscheme, with individually named trucks and complete with tartan banding, Pollock (Scotrans) will already be known to many collectors throughout the UK and almost certainly beyond.

Established in 1935 by William George Dunn Pollock, (or George as he preferred to be known), as a local haulage concern in Corstorphine (to the west of Edinburgh), the business grew steadily until 1949 when road transport was nationalised. This resulted in the fleet becoming part of British Road Services and George Pollock was appointed Group Manager for East Lothian and the Borders.

Some five years on, in 1954, when partial de-nationalisation of the road transport industry occurred, George saw opportunities and a future in road haulage and so decided to buy some vehicles and licences and re-establish himself in business – this time in Musselburgh (to the east of Edinburgh). Keen for his newly acquired trucks to have a smart image and not wanting to neglect the original (pre-nationalisation) colourscheme, he decided to continue with the now familiar turquoise, gold and red livery.

As the fleet continued to grow and the business expanded, George’s two sons, Ian and George (Junior), joined the family business. In 1963, Ian came up with the idea of individually naming vehicles and incorporating a Scottish tartan in the livery – a tradition which continues to this day. During the 1960s and 70s many changes occurred in the industry but the Pollock family remained loyal to their trade. Two of Ian’s sons, having both served their apprenticeships, became joint Managing Directors – Scott, joining in 1984 and Fraser in 1993. Well into the 21st Century Ian, Scott and Fraser followed the guiding principles of the founder to promote the business through service and loyalty. Today’s Company operates an impressive fleet of around 150 vehicles, employs more than 200 staff and has over 55,000 sq ft of warehousing.

Pollock Holdings and its subsidiaries Pollock (Scotrans) and Pollock Express have recently been purchased by Devon based operator Gregory Distribution, a family owned business with a fleet of over 1,300 vehicles, 3,000 employees and a strong reputation for customer service gained over more than 100 years of trading. Pollock’s new owner has made it clear that it is very much a case of “business as usual” for Pollock,that Scott Pollock will be continuing at the helm and the Company will be maintaining its iconic brand. That’s certainly good news – and the latest planned model release of the Renault and curtain trailer in this well-known and classy livery will ensure that another cherished Pollock (Scotrans) model will soon be available to add to many a model truck collection!

Models, available from Search Impex, whilst stocks last, are priced at £154 each (including UK delivery & VAT).

For details of availability of this and other models, collectors can visit the Search Impex website at www.search-impex.co.uk or call on 01332 873555.