Glasgow, September 2025 – A 47-year railway career has drawn to a close with the retirement of Gerry Bowie, Avanti West Coast’s Fleet Interface Engineer, who began work on the railway as a 16-year-old apprentice in 1978.
Gerry’s final shift saw him carry out safety and reliability checks on Pendolino units at Glasgow Central, watched by family and colleagues. To mark the occasion, a farewell message was displayed on the station’s departure board.
From Springburn Works to Pendolinos
After leaving school, Gerry joined British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) Springburn Works on 7 August 1978, part of a group of 60 apprentices. While many contemporaries pursued careers in Clyde shipyards, Gerry chose to remain in the railway industry.
By 1983, he had moved to Grangemouth depot, working on diesel locomotives, before spending three decades across depots including Eastfield, Glasgow Central, and Polmadie. He was involved in depot openings, the arrival of Voyagers, and training apprentices.
In 2013, Gerry briefly left the main line, joining the Glasgow Subway as Service Delivery Manager for rolling stock, before returning in 2016 to take on a series of engineering support roles with Virgin Trains and later Avanti West Coast. His responsibilities included improving engineering performance on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) between London and Scotland, a stretch of railway he has long regarded as special.
A Career of Highlights
Among his fondest memories, Gerry recalls handing back the Mark 3 coaching stock fleet in preparation for the Pendolino introduction.
Reflecting on his career, he said:
“I’ve come a long way from the spotty teenager outside the gate of Springburn. The railway has been my whole life and working with great people has kept me motivated. I’ve met many incredibly talented people who have helped shape my career, and for that I’m eternally grateful. I would like to wish my colleagues good health, good luck, and continued success.”
Warm Tributes
Dean Duthie, Engineering and Infrastructure Director at Avanti West Coast, paid tribute:
“On behalf of Avanti West Coast, I’d like to congratulate Gerry on his 47 years of service and thank him for all he has done for colleagues and customers. Gerry is a well-loved member of the team who brings humour, support and a can-do attitude. He’ll be sorely missed.”
Irene Pacheco, Pendolino Contract Production Manager, added:
“It has been a pleasure working with Gerry. He has an impeccable work ethic and is always willing to help. We’ll miss him greatly and wish him a happy retirement.”
After 47 years entirely spent in Scotland, Gerry bows out having contributed across multiple generations of rolling stock and depot operations, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to Britain’s railways.
