Next to the incredible new statue of the late, legendary Rangers manager, the coach was presented to the school. This coach will have tremendous impact on the school that has many pupils with complex needs. The wheelchair access will mean all children can attend collage courses, trips and access the local community.

Variety Scotland Chairman and former Rangers player, Gordon Smith, said:

“It is a tremendous honour to present this coach to Hazelwood school in memory of Walter Smith. The coach will serve as a meaningful tribute to Walter’s memory, helping us to support children and young people in Glasgow with sensory impairment and complex learning needs. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped us to fundraise for the coach, especially to James Mortimer who donated £30k through his late daughter Donna’s trust.”

Collette Gowing, Hazelwood Head of School, said:

“We are so honoured and proud that Variety Scotland has chosen us to have this new bus. We would not be able to fund this vehicle without their generous support and support from all their donors and partners. This bus is invaluable to us. Our children and young people will benefit greatly from experiences outside the school building to support their learning, confidence and independence. In particular we were unable to access Glasgow city centre for some time due to the new LEZ rules which is now not a problem.

Our school caters to a wide range of children and young people with complex needs and the bus arrived adapted for wheelchair access, as well as additional space for other staff and young people to get out and about at the same time. The bus can support young people to attend college courses, let children access local parks and museums, and for all at Hazelwood to continue to access our local community. Thank you again.”

Rangers midfielder, Connor Barron, said:

“It’s a real honour for me to be here today as this new coach is presented to the kids from Hazelwood School. Despite only being with the club for a few months, I know just how much Walter Smith means to everyone at Rangers, and his charitable work with Variety Scotland should set a real example for us all. I was delighted to meet some of the kids this coach will benefit, and it was brilliant to hear how big a difference this will make to them going forward.”