Alastair MacFarlane

Sometimes, it's nice to travel in something a little more luxurious than your standard taxi. I'm talking about travelling in comfort with a professional chauffeur, ready to take you where you want to go and make you feel like a Hollywood moviestar. 

Well in Perthshire, we have our very own professional chauffeur. And what's more, you don't have to be a celebrity to get a cushty lift to your destination!

Alastair MacFarlane is the owner and founder of AM Chauffeur Travel, which operates from Auchterarder but is available throughout Perthshire and travels around the whole of the UK. He offers a fantastic service and is often found providing his services at weddings, corporate events and conferences, and doing the airport runs for people jetting off for a week in the sun.

Although he's a very busy man and almost impossible to track down given the nature of his business, we managed to catch up with him for a chat to find out more about the man himself. An avid golfer and perhaps destined to appear in any Top Gun remake in the future, his life's certainly an interesting one! We found out more about what it's like to drive people around for a living and how he likes to spend his time when he's not behind the wheel.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

There's never really a typical day at work for a chauffeur! It's usually an early start to the day and I have the pleasure of picking people up from all walks of life. My clients can range from people attending corporate events, to those needing a lift to and from one of Scotland's airports. I'm also often part of someone's wedding day which is nice and it's great to help out on a couple's special day.

What signals the start of your weekend / days off?

When the sunshines this signals an escape to the golf course, which is a great start my days off. The game is a passion of mine and you'll usually find me on Auchterarder Golf Course... at the 19th hole! If I'm not golfing I'll most likely be out in the countryside with my dog on a nice long walk, or perhaps shopping at Gloagburn which is a favourite in our house to fill the shelves with some local produce!

My fiancé has always been the driving force helping me succeed and reach my aims/goals. I also often go out for something to eat and I love to visit Delivino in Auchterarder - it's always fantastic service and it usually makes for a great evening with friends and family.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

People may be surprised to know that I'm an aspiring pilot! I love flying with my dad who is actually a pilot. It's a gorgeous way to see Perthshire and the stunning views it has on offer.

Top of your bucket list?

I like my cars and driving, as you'd expect being a chauffeur. However I'd like to go a little faster than I can at work, so I'd love to take part in a race season in either track racing or classic rallying.

Worst job you’ve ever had?

Without naming any names, the worst job I've ever had was actually also one of the most rewarding. There were many lessons to be learnt! I'd love to share some of the stories but I better keep it to myself where this was... 

Who or what inspires you?

This is a tough one! I'm inspired by several people but my fiancé has always been the driving force helping me succeed and reach my aims/goals, so I would have to say that she is my inspiration.

Tell us about the weekend you’d love to live again?

The weekend that I'd love to live again would be the weekend of the 5th November 2008. Those close to me will know what this special day means to me!

What’s the best part about your job?

The variety! There isn't a singe day that is the same and you get to meet so many different people from all over the country and indeed the world! My background is in hospitality so I've always enjoyed engaging and meeting with people. 

What’s in the perfect day off breakfast?

There's only one winner when it comes to the perfect day off breakfast - it's got to be a full Scottish!

Complete this sentence; The best things in life are….

Times spent with friends, family and loved ones.

***

To find out more or to book call AM Chauffeur Travel on 07377 886060 or visit their website.