A piece of art has been unveiled in memory of a popular Wensleydale school bus driver and caretaker.

Charlie MacGillivray, who died earlier this year aged 87, drove school buses in Wensleydale for 47 years and was also the long-serving caretaker at Wensleydale School.

He safely delivered several generations of children to primary and secondary schools over the years, and was well known for his friendliness, kind nature — and love of bagpipe music!

A collage depicting the popular driver was created in his honour by artist and former Wensleydale School pupil Matt Leak.
The artwork was taken from a photo of Charlie — who was originally from Scotland — wearing a kilt at a family wedding.

The artwork was unveiled outside the secondary school this week at a ceremony attended by Charlie’s family.
Beside the collage was a plaque which described Charlie as a “caretaker, bus driver, legend”.

Among the family members who attended the ceremony were Charlie’s son Andy MacGillivray and daughter, Julie Dinsdale.

Andy said: “The collage has absolutely blown me away.”  Julie added: “Whenever we go people have lovely memories of him.
“He knew everyone. It would drive my mum crazy. They’d go to Tesco and he’d be stopping every two minutes to talk to someone.”

The artist, whose collages have been bought by music stars and Premier League football clubs, said it was an honour to be allowed to create one in memory of Charlie.  He said after the unveiling: “I’ve been very nervous that the family would like it, but it’s got a fantastic reception which means so much.”

Wensleydale School deputy headteacher Charles Barnett said Charlie’s warmth and good nature embodied the school’s ethos.