Directorate Change

9 June 2009

                                FIRSTGROUP PLC                                 

                               BOARD APPOINTMENT                               

FirstGroup plc ("The Group"), the leading transport operator in the UK and
North America, announces the following appointment to the Board of Directors.

Ellis Watson will join the Board of FirstGroup as Group Marketing and Business
Development Director. Ellis joins from John Menzies plc where he has been on
the plc board since March 2007 and Chief Executive Officer of Menzies
Distribution since September 2005. Prior to this he was Managing Director of
National Newspapers at Trinity Mirror plc and of Celador International. His
media career began with nine years at News International where he became
Marketing Director. He is expected to join the Group in August this year.

Commenting Martin Gilbert, Chairman said:

"I would like to welcome Ellis to the Board of FirstGroup. His appointment
further strengthens the management team and I am confident that he will make a
significant contribution to the Group and its continued successful
development."

Commenting, Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive said:

"I am pleased to welcome Ellis to the Group. In just 20 years FirstGroup has
become the leading transport operator in the UK and North America. Ellis'
strong track record, particularly in marketing and business development,
together with his recent achievements at John Menzies will be of great benefit
to the Group and its plans for future growth."

Contacts FirstGroup plc:

Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive, Tel: [phone]

Rachael Borthwick, Group Corporate Communications Director, Tel: [phone]
/ 07771 945 432

END