Lothian Bus duo Kyle and Peter Mcleod have become the first brothers to compete in the skills competition for bus and coach technicians.

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For younger brother Kyle, engineering has always been his ambition and he feels at home working on buses. His relationship with his brother Peter has improved too!

“We’re much more friendly now! It hasn’t been that friendly over the years, but it’s better now,” said Kyle Mcleod, mechanical apprentice at Lothian Buses. “I’ve always been interested in engineering and I’m happy to be in the bus industry now. The vehicles are much bigger and more challenging, so it’s good for me.”

Kyle (pictured below), added: “It’s been a great day. It’s something that I’ve never done before, so it’s a big challenge. It’s good to see how it all works and then try and find the best way to overcome the challenges. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

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Having competed in the Skills Challenge previously, Peter, mechanical technician at Lothian Buses, was more relaxed about his prospects at testing week.

Peter (pictured below), said: “You don’t know what it’s actually going to be like until you’re here. All the other teams here are pretty decent but I’m confident that I’m going to do well.”

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The competition has also proved worthwhile for electrical technician Amanda Barker, a late addition to the Arriva Bus team.

Amanda said: “Because I didn’t know what to expect, I’ve had a bit of a shaky start, but now I’m in the swing of things, it’s coming more naturally to me.

“I would recommend doing this job to any other woman because it’s something I really enjoy,” she added.

The winners and runners-up of each category will be unveiled at the awards ceremony at Warwick University in July. Prizes will be provided by Teng Tools.

For more information, or to apply for entry next year, go to: soe.org.uk/skillschallenge