WESTERN SMT was for many years the sole operator of public service buses in this district.

The accompanying photograph, which was taken in Greenock, shows a group of the company’s drivers in the 1950s.

It was sent to me from Canada by Netta Boag, whose father-in-law Willie Boag is on the far right of the front row.

Netta, whose maiden name was Law, said: “I was raised at 5 Heggies Avenue, Port Glasgow, and it saddens me to see that Woodhall has gone.

“I left home 57 years ago but still return every year and always visit my old neighbourhood.

“We had great neighbours all around us. We saw each other through thick and thin, during the war and afterwards. I wish all our former neighbours health and happiness in the year to come.” Returning to the picture of the SMT bus drivers, Netta, who lives in Uxbridge, Ontario, would be happy if anyone connected with those in the photograph would like a copy of it.

Please contact me if you recognise a relative, or can name the other drivers.

Meanwhile, today’s picture of a Western SMT Guy double-decker is typical of buses operated locally in the 1950s.

It is shown in Greenock’s Dalrymple Street with Ladyburn on its destination board. The factory pictured belonged to James Mitchell and Son Ltd, engineers and pipework contractors.

It stood on the site of what is now the Tesco superstore.