A COATBRIDGE ScotRail worker who spent 50 years on the frontline of the country's biggest train disasters has told of the horror of the Polmont crash.

Maintenance engineer John Clelland has been rushed in for some of the highest-profile rail disasters throughout the years to make sure the trains were back up and running as soon as possible.

The 65-year-old was just 15-years-old when he began his career with the firm but some of the shocking sites will never leave his mind, such as being tasked with getting trains back up and running following major incidents such as the Polmont rail disaster - which cost the death of 13 people after a push-pull train derailed following a collision with a cow in July 1984.

"There's been a lot of accidents, I've seen a lot - a lot of horrific accidents," John said.

"In those days you had a response team so we seen a lot.

"But everything's different now. It's all safety now, it has to be. It's certainly changed for the better."

He told the Evening Times: "I didn't know much about it, it was a surprise - but a nice surprise.

"It's the first time I know of it happening. I just came to work and I was told I'm getting this award.

"I was blown away."

Railway work is in John's blood, with the dad-of-three following in his own father's footsteps by entering the industry immediately after leaving school.

He began his career in Union Street in 1968 before moving on to become the youngest ever examiner at 18-years-old.

Since then he's went on to travel across the country, from Stirling to Grangemouth and everywhere in between, learning to tackle just about any issue thrown at him before settling in Corkerhill, where he's remained for the past 25 years.

He credits the role with keeping him fit and praises his shift work for allowing to keep up with his beloved hobbies, walking and fishing, but he knows one day soon he'll have to say goodbye.

John, who now lives in Dollar, Clackmannanshire, explained: "It just depends when I feel like chucking it, but I'll definitely miss it. I'll miss the camaraderie.

"But it's quite a physical job and it's quite technical too so I'll have to give it up eventually.

"Back then we were just trained to do everything and anything. No two days are the same. It's anything but boring."

Most of the happy memories in John's life have taken place while working the transport giant, like the birth of his three children and the marriage to his partner of 10 years just two-and-a-half years ago with his work pals by his side.

And professionally, he admits he's had so many highlights everyday it would be hard to pick just one - joking if he "wrote a book it would be a best seller".

Despite spending five decades in the industry and being on the frontline for some of he isn't quite ready to pass over any advice to the younger team members just yet, instead insisting he is the one who can learn from them.

He joked: "It's become very technical with tablets and phones and all that. I wasn't used to that so I've had to get up to speed and they've helped. They're very smart.

Derek MacKintosh, engineering director at the ScotRail Alliance, said: “We’re very fortunate to be able give out a lot of long service awards, but a half century of service is a truly remarkable feat.

“I’m delighted to be celebrating John’s 50th year of serving Scotland’s railway and keeping the country moving."