POLLOCK NAMES SCANIA AS “STRONGEST SCOT”!
Customised promotional model vehicle specialists, Search Impex, are pleased to announce the release of "Strongest Scot” - a 1:50 scale Scania S450 High (6x2) tractor unit, complete with 3 axle, curtain trailer, customised in the “Delivering Winners” livery of well-known Scottish brand Pollock (Scotrans).
The models have been produced exclusively for Search Impex by WSI Models as a certificated Limited Edition (170 pieces).
Pollock (Scotrans) which is part of Gregory Group, offer a comprehensive range of transport and warehousing services across the UK. Headquartered in Bathgate, Central Scotland, Pollock’s modern operation stands in impressive contrast to the Company’s early days. But whilst technology and process has changed the face of today’s transport industry, the immaculate Pollock livery retains the same famous turquoise, gold & red colour scheme that many collectors will be familiar with. Each truck also continues to be individually named and proudly displays the distinctive tartan banding.
Established in 1935 by William George Dunn Pollock, (or George as he preferred to be known), Pollock predominantly provided a local haulage in Corstorphine (to the west of Edinburgh). The business grew steadily until 1949, at which point 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 recognised that the future held new opportunities. He 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) colour scheme, 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.
Now part of Gregory Group, Pollock (Scotrans) has joined a company that shares the same guiding principles. As a family-owned business, Gregory Group has a similar history of a business built on its strong reputations and relationships. Today Gregory Group has a fleet of over 1,300 vehicles, 3,000 employees and a 100 year heritage. Whilst now part of 1:50 scale Scania S450 High (6x2) tractor unit, in Delivering Winners livery of well-known Scottish brand Pollock (Scotrans), the iconic brand of Pollock will continue, but with the addition of the widely recognised “Delivering Winners” slogan. In fact, the latest planned model release of the Scania and curtain trailer will be the first time a Pollock model has been produced in the now widely recognised “Delivering Winners” livery and so ensures that another cherished Pollock (Scotrans) model can now be added to many a model truck collection!
Models, available from Search Impex, are priced at £166 (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.
