Age Scotland and Lothian provide connection through charity bus design

As Lothian’s new 2025-26 Charity of Choice, we're on a mission to tackle loneliness in Scotland’s older people and Lothian will be helping to spread that message far and wide on a specially designed double deck bus.

The fully wrapped bus design, created in collaboration between Age Scotland and Lothian’s in-house design team, will be a common sight on the streets of the Scottish capital throughout the two-year charity partnership, with Lothian helping to raise awareness of our mission.

Importantly, the bus design features information about the charity’s free helpline which provides support and advice to older people across the country. In 2024 our helpline handled 30,000 calls, answering queries on a range of subjects from benefits and income maximisation, access to social care, and housing.

We were particularly delighted to welcome service users and support staff from North Edinburgh Dementia Care in Leith to the launch, giving them the chance to see the bus up close and meet with members from across the Lothian team who will be working hard to help amplify Age Scotland’s message.

Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said:

“We’re delighted to hit the road with Lothian Buses over the next two years and showcase how Age Scotland can help keep older people connected.

“Tens of thousands of older people across the Lothians experience loneliness and our branded bus will raise awareness of the services we offer to help, and support dozens of local groups and clubs which keep older people connected to their communities.

“We hope that our messaging reaches even more people and amplifies that we are here to provide friendship, companionship and support to older people on every street across Scotland.”

Lothian’s Communications Director, Gaynor Marshall, said: “Lothian is proud to be partnering with Age Scotland over the next two years, helping to raise awareness of the vital work they do to improve the lives of older people in Scotland.

“Our buses offer more than a means of getting from A to B. They provide connections between people and communities, enabling inclusion and participation.

“Our Age Scotland bus offers a unique marketing opportunity with messaging which will connect members of the public across Edinburgh and the Lothians with information, advice and friendship.”