Young artist speechless over winning NHS bus design competition

An Aberdeen school pupil has thanked NHS Scotland staff after he won a nationwide art competition, which will see his artwork wrapped onto the front of a bus.

Nine-year-old Adam Foster’s drawing, which paid tribute to NHS key workers across the region, will now be transferred onto a double decker bus courtesy of First Aberdeen and will serve the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary route.

The Skene Square school student’s rainbow design will also feature on two more buses for First Glasgow and First Midland.

Speaking on his victory, Adam said: “I can’t believe I won. It is all very exciting, and I cannot wait to see the bus driving around the city. I am looking forward to showing my friends at school.”  

The competition was launched as part of First Bus’s education pack during the country’s initial lockdown as the transport company teamed up with teachers across Scotland to create a resource pack to support home-schooling parents of young children.

Adam also won a tour of Britain’s biggest bus depot in Glasgow as well as a goody bag and a poster of his drawing.

The design received a full blessing from NHS Scotland who are delighted to have their logo featured in tribute to the nation’s Covid-19 heroes.

An NHS Grampian spokesperson said: “Adam's striking design will be a welcome sight for staff whenever it calls at ARI, particularly as we head into winter.

“As well as reminding staff that their hard work is appreciated, we hope that it will act as a reminder to the public that they should continue keeping themselves safe in order to help protect the NHS.”