Andrew Hastings

The subject of this weeks article is the maple syrup and pancake loving, Canadian born Andrew Hastings.  He runs a company called True Grit Events who create, build and deliver exceptional endurance challenges and adventure events.  This includes the now legendary Cateran Yomp which is back again for all adrenaline lovers to enjoy this June.  He believes that everyone has True Grit and his company works hard every day to help them achieve it.  

True Grit is something he certainly is chock full of himself and, in a former life, he was the drummer in a band with a record contract.  The group was even taken out to lunch by entrepreneur and businessman Richard Branson of Virgin fame.  Branson ran into Andrew years later and he claimed to remember them.  We found out all this and more in this week's Workdays and Weekend article.

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

I spend a lot of time on the laptop going cross-eyed over spreadsheets! The really fun part is getting out to do event reconnaissance for the ABF - Soldiers’ Charity Cateran Yomp on the Cateran Trail.  I also get out and about planning for the Starman Night Tri in the Cairngorms which is the UK’s first midnight triathlon.

What signals the start of your weekend / days off?

A long walk with our black Labrador, Buddy.  We go to Weem Forest or Drummond Hill and enjoy the tracks there before heading back for coffee and a hearty breakfast.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

That I’m a drummer and had a recording contract many moons ago.  The band and I had lunch with Richard Branson who I then met years later again whilst working on an event in Italy.  He didn’t remember me but he remembered the band!

Top of your bucket list?

A 6-month tour of South America - it’s been on the bucket list for a while but we’ve never quite managed it yet.  The mountains look beautiful and the Cities look lively and vivacious - this might be the year!

Worst job you’ve ever had?

Property Letting Agency - sales target hell!  It was a long time ago before getting into the world of events.  The difference is vast - from hating work to loving it - I feel very lucky.

Who or what inspires you?

David Attenborough for his absolute passion for what he does.  Not everyone is lucky enough to love their jobs but he really does and he is passionate about spreading the word about climate change - I really respect that.

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

I spend time with four mates in the wilds of Knoydart enjoying some walking and a few beers.  Any time in the wilds of Scotland enjoying the mountains and then imbibing the local brew is ideal for me.

What’s the best part about your job?

Getting out for event reconnaissance and seeing our beautiful country whilst coming up with new ideas for events.

What’s in the perfect day off breakfast?

Fluffy pancakes soaked in maple syrup with crispy bacon.  I was born in Canada after all! And, of course, topped off with a coffee from the Glen Lyon Roastery - it’s local to us and the best coffee ever!

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

FREE!!  Walking in the Scottish hills doesn’t cost anything at all….

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If you feel inspired by what you have read today then see action pics from last year and read more about the Cateran Yomp in our gallery here.

Find out more about ABF The Soldiers Charity from their official site here.