Catriona Duncan

Catriona Duncan is the joint owner of the Camper Bar Company with her business partner Graeme MacFarlane.  The main part of their business is "Ruby" a beautiful red 1972 Bay Window VW Camper Van that has been converted into a fully functioning bar and mobile party machine.  They are fully licensed and can cater for any event including weddings, birthdays, garden parties, product launches, conferences, festivals and shows.

I've been lucky enough to sample some of Catriona's cocktails at last year's Craigie Hill Music Festival and they really hit the spot.  I was particularly fond of the Buckfast based "Bucky Brae's" and "Ruby's" wares seemed to be selling like hot cakes. She will be attending again this year so don't miss her next weekend! 

She gives us a bit more info about "Ruby" as well as filling us in on the workings of her business and telling us a little bit about her favourite things to do during her down time including spending time with family, enjoying a home cooked meal with an ice cold beer and checking out gigs (she even saw Prince live shortly before his death). We also find out about her travels including a stint as an Au Pair in Copenhagen and a coast-to-coast road trip in the good old US of A!

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

If we have an event on then it’s usually a fairly early start. Ruby, our Camper, is packed up and on the road.  On arrival it takes us an hour or so to set up and get the drinks chilled and ready to serve. Ruby contains a fully stocked bar and holds enough for any event. At the end of the night it’s a case of packing up and heading back home. Customers are often surprised that Ruby is driven and not towed on a trailer!

What signals the start of your weekend/day off?

Usually a large glass of wine or a glistening glass of ice cold beer accompanied by a home cooked meal. I love cooking but finding the time is getting harder and harder.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

It was like "Thelma and Louise" but with a happier ending!When I was 18 I lived in Copenhagen working as an Au Pair.  I think this may have initially given me the travelling bug. I then spent a year and a half travelling the world.  The highlight has to be a 3 month USA road trip from Los Angeles to New York with my good friend Alison. It was awesome. It was like "Thelma and Louise" but with a happier ending!

Top of your bucket list?

Definitely looking to visit Cuba in the not too distant future. Can’t wait to try their Mojitos! I love a good Mojito.

Worst job you’ve ever had?

Selling hot dogs in Australia. I was staying in Cairns at the time which is just unbearable hot day and night. I lasted about a week, the insects were unbearable. 

Who or what inspires you?

Without a doubt my Dad Carl who very sadly passed away last year. He was so successful in many ways but he was always incredibly modest. 

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

This is a hard one. I’ve had lots of great weekends spent with family and friends. I Love live music and I have been lucky enough to see many of my favourite bands over the years. The late great Prince has to be my all time favourite. Seen him 3 times but I don’t suppose I’ll be seeing him again now.

What’s the best part about your job?

Meeting so many interesting people. Our biggest demand are weddings and at them you get to meet guests from different parts of the world.

What’s in the perfect day off breakfast?

Has to be Eggs Florentine and a strong cup of tea.

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

Travelling and spending time with my husband and two teenage boys.

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Enjoy a refreshing drink at Catriona's Camper Bar at this year's Craigie Hill Music Festival >>>