“Uniforms are very important to us because they help bring people together, break down barriers, and help our team feel proud of the role they play at Lothian.”
Operations Director
Lothian Buses Uniform
Customer: Lothian Buses
Industry: Transport
A modern, comfortable uniform that can withstand Scottish weather, maintain consumer trust and help attract younger talent.
Introduction
Lothian Buses are the main passenger transport provider across Edinburgh operating over 700 buses with 2,600 employees.
Lothian, like much of the bus and coach industry were facing challenges in attracting younger drivers however they initially approached Murray looking for a uniform solution that could cope with Scotland’s unpredictable weather.
We partnered with Lothian to develop an innovative solutions that modernised the uniform and addressed these key issues.
Our Response
Lothian Buses followed the consultative Murray Science of Uniform® design process which enabled us to understand their needs and discover the key metrics uniform could impact.
When asking Lothian employees for feedback, the drivers we’re looking for more stretch and an easier layering solution so that they could be more comfortable. Murray also identified that uniform had a significant impact on recruitment, younger employees generally prefer more comfortable, casual uniforms such as polo shirts and gilets. Still, it was essential for the uniform to maintain a smart appearance, as Lothian has represented Edinburgh to locals and tourists for over 100 years. Maintaining customer trust was a critical part of the brief.
The key challenge was to create a modern, comfortable uniform that could withstand Scottish weather, maintain consumer trust and help attract younger talent.
Innovative Features and Design
Scotland has a cool temperate maritime climate, so weather can easily change throughout the day. So, it’s important for wearers to have uniform options that can be layered up or down to work all year round. Edinburgh is often referred to as “The Windy City” of the UK, so it was important that the right textiles were chosen to keep drivers warm and comfortable in the wind and rain, while also providing comfort in the summer months. Aesthetically, the objective was to create a bespoke uniform that balanced modern design with a subtle nod to Lothian’s heritage, reinforcing the brand’s reliability and professionalism.
Since bus drivers are sat down for most of the day, stretch was added to the waist and hip of the trousers to ensure comfort even after hours on the road.
Additionally, because of the positioning of the bus driver’s seat, we thoughtfully redesigned the women’s polo shirts and button-down shirts to have the buttons on the right, plus some additional buttons to avoid gaping, making female drivers feel more confident and polished when driving and greeting customers.
The hero garment is the softshell jacket with zip-off sleeves that turns into a gilet, perfect for transitional weather. The sleeves come with an adjustable storm cuff to keep drivers comfortable and dry in the rain. This innovative garment keeps drivers warm while being versatile, making it suitable for all seasons.
Furthermore, as part of our extensive range, we designed an improved bespoke anorak that more effectively keeps wearers warm and dry, increasing productivity during the winter.
The Uniform
The shirts have a classic, tailored fit that gives a clean, professional look while allowing ease of movement throughout the day. The fabric is breathable, keeping drivers comfortable year-round, indoors or outdoors. There is a long and short sleeved option so drivers can look smart whether in winter or summer. And it looks great with the bespoke tie, featuring Lothian’s signature burgundy and gold.
The unisex polo shirt for summer is made of a breathable jersey fabric, keeping drivers cool even in the humid weather.
Complementing the blue shirts is the unisex ¼ zip jumper in a beautiful burgundy fabric that offers warmth without compromising on style.
A high-performance anorak is a must to ensure brand consistency even in inclement weather conditions. It is fully waterproof and has taped seams and padding to keep wearers warm. Hi-vis piping is on the coat to ensure visibility and safety even in the middle of winter, when there’s little sun. For even more warmth, we designed a bespoke beanie, ensuring drivers have many on-brand options.
Testimonials
”"The new uniform feels better quality, more modern, and more comfortable. I feel that looking smart helps represent the company in a more professional and positive light."
Paul Henderson, Bus Driver
”“I think having the different options is a great idea. You can add layers and still be comfortable. Murray has ticked all the boxes. When I put it on in the morning and look in the mirror, I feel put together. It makes me proud to work for Lothian and be part of a team – working with so many amazing people.”
Carys Gargan, Bus Driver
