Western National's empire is considerably smaller than it was - the company once incorporated Southern National and Devon General, operating bus services in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. Operations today are confined to south Devon and Cornwall. Western National is now part of First Group.

The following pictures were taken in Penzance in 1988.

See also The Last Outpost

Please click on a thumbnail to see a larger image.

	Something doesn't appear to be quite right about the front of Western National 1564, an ECW bodied Bristol LH sporting unusual lower front panelling (possibly rebuilt after an accident?). The bus originated with London Country and arrived at Wherrytown Garage in this condition. A Bristol VRT in NBC green can be seen in the distance.
	Western National 1146, a Bristol VRT/ECW waits under threatening skies at Penzance Bus Station before departing for Lands End and Porthcurno.
	Wearing Blue Bus livery, Wadham Stringer bodied KRL444W leaves Penzance Bus Station with a service to Newlyn and Mousehole. The terminus of the West of England main line can be seen in the background. KRL444W was acquired with the business of Harvey (Mousehole) who traded for many years as Blue Bus. The destination display was later replaced with a standard 3-track and ultimate destination version.
	This unusual Seddon bodied Bristol LH was used almost exclusively on the short coastal Blue Bus service from Penzance to Mousehole. PCV 178R waits at the picturesque harbour in Mousehole before returning to Penzance. This bus also originated with Harvey (Mousehole).
	Western National 1255, a Bristol LH above climbs through the main shopping street of Penzance on route D is heading for Madron. D was the "number" used for former route 11 when full size buses were replaced by "Hoppa" Mercedes minibuses. The LHS vehicles were accepted by staff as a minibus substitute and could be used if a Hoppa was not available. The route reverted to being the 11 when letters were abandoned after a few years.
	To cope with peak summer requirements, Western National acquired a number of second hand double deckers including 1123, a Leyland Atlantean with East Lancs bodywork. Wearing Cornwall Busways livery, this bus is about to leave for Helston and Falmouth.
	Another view of Western National 1146 leaving Penzance Bus Station for the bus garage in Wherrytown Road, shortly after completing a run from St. Ives.

Thanks to Craig Ryan for some of the information on this page.

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This page was updated on 08/05/2008