Highly Commended Award for train driver

Monday 2 November 2009

A train driver from Larkhall has been highly commended in the prestigious Scottish Transport Awards.

In addition to driving trains, George Kelly is a Team Sergeant Major in Britain’s Reserve Forces – and his next call of duty will be Afghanistan or Iraq.

He is on standby 24 hours a day because his railway expertise and engineering background would see him lead an operations team dedicated to improving infrastructure.

The tour could also involve supplying fuel, water or electricity distribution systems at frontline bases – or building their defences.

George, 46, is well equipped for the daunting roles - having already served three times in the United Nations buffer zone between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

He is also a fitness fanatic – regularly running nine miles in a country park near his home while carrying a 25 kilogram “Bergen” pack.

George, who is married with three daughters, was a finalist in the Frontline Employee of the Year category at the awards.

He is employed by ScotRail and drives trains in Strathclyde – the biggest commuter network outside of London.

His background is varied. He first completed a mining engineering apprenticeship, then worked in aerospace engineering. He has also been a field technician on projects ranging from London’s Canary Wharf and the Millennium Dome to the Amsterdam-Paris express rail route – and spent seven years as a prison officer.

George, a warrant officer with Reserve Forces’ 507 Specialist Team Royal Engineers, is unfazed about being called to serve his country at any time.

He said of agreeing to compulsory mobilisation, including Afghanistan and Iraq: “I’m at peace with the arrangement. It’s not on my mind every day, but I continue to train, to keep fit, summer and winter. I’m ready.”

George also supports Help for Heroes, which raises £1 million - a month - for wounded servicemen and women.

Other passions include parachuting, hill walking, and “extreme” camping with shelters made nightly.

Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said: “As a company we are committed to supporting employees who are in the Reserve Forces.

“People like George are doing an important and difficult job and deserve to have their employers backing them.

“He is a real credit to the Territorial Army, his family - and ScotRail.”

Media enquiries
Carla Rinaldi, ScotRail Communications: 0141 335 5156 / carla.rinaldi@firstgroup.com
Iain Wilson, ScotRail Communications: 0141 335 4565 / iain.wilson@firstgroup.com