What's In A Driver's Name? Meet Andy Anderson

There’s always something special about our drivers - not just the journeys they take, but the stories they tell. And, by popular demand during Coach Drivers Appreciation Week, we're bringing back our 'What's In A Driver's Name?' feature!

This time, we’re handing the keys to Andy Anderson, who’s clocked up 25 years behind the wheel and has no plans to stop any time soon. With a love of scenic hotels, cheeky humour, and heartfelt moments with passengers, here’s Andy’s take on touring life - told through the letters of his name…

Around the country: Tell us whereabouts in the UK (and abroad!) you take our customers… what are your regular destinations?
Over the past year or so I've been to the Isle of Wight and Amsterdam. I enjoy both places but would love to do more trips to Europe.

Nice touch: Have you ever gone out of your way to make your passengers happy? Or have they ever surprised you with a nice gesture for being a great tour guide?
I was in the Isle of Wight towards the end of last year, and two elderly ladies came up to me with a small teddy that said “thank you” on it. They said they tried to get one with my name on it. I thought that was lovely!

Dead good places: Tell us where your favourite hotels, destinations and excursions are that the job takes you?
I really like The Wheatland in York, and The Caladh Inn in Stornoway. They’re both great, and The Caladh Inn has desserts to die for!

"My youngest blue rinse terrorist..."

You can never forget: Who’s been your most memorable passenger you’ve ever had on board, and why are they unforgettable?
I had a family on my coach years ago who had a toddler with them. Everyone on the coach was saying she was my youngest blue rinse terrorist ever – because at that time, you never got any young people on tours.

Ah ha ha! What’s your favourite (clean) joke?
If I see a cemetery, I slow down and tell the passengers that the inventor of the crossword are buried there - and he’s six across and four down. Lol.

Night time: When you’re away with work and you’ve clocked off, what are your favourite things to do when you get some downtime?
After dinner, I just like to chill and watch TV. If I have a day off, I like to go out on my bike and get a bit of exercise because most of my day is sitting on my backside.

Driver: How long have you been a coach driver, and what made you take up the job?
I'm into my 25th year of driving buses and coaches. I used to drive a forklift and under 7.5-tonne trucks. I was constantly on night shifts, but then I got the chance to get my PCV licence and I’ve never looked back.

Eat, sleep and drink: When you’re taking our customers on their holiday, what’s your favourite place to eat, your favourite hotel to stay in, and what’s your refreshment of choice when you get a bit of downtime?
As I've mentioned before - The Caladh Inn in Stornoway is great. And those desserts...!

Radio: Give us your top tunes to listen to on the road, and why you like them?
Two songs that I would love play on the coach are 'Highway to Hell' if I'm stuck on the motorway and 'Loch Lomond' because every good party finishes with it - so why not a tour?

Seasons: What are your favourite summer and winter tours that Caledonian Travel offer?
I'm not too sure about that, but my favourite season has got to be summer so that I can top up my tan!

"I said I meant to avoid it!"

Oh no! Ever taken a wrong turn, got lost or had any other nightmare on the road? What happened, and how did you get back on track?
I was going to Bruges and missed the turn onto the northbound motorway. I kept going east and eventually the Sat Nav rerouted me across the country. Then I noticed the motorway was shut, so I told everyone that I went that way to avoid it!

Nominate your last question: What question do you wish we’d asked you today, and what would your answer have been?
Do I see myself doing any other job or retiring? No - I've tried other jobs and stayed in the industry, but I feel I'm at my best doing the tours and love what I do. My wife says they’ll carry me off my coach in a box! (Not sure if you can print that, lol!)

Have you been on one of our tours with Andy at the wheel? Let us know all about it over on our Facebook page, and tell us who else you’d like to see featured!