What's In A Driver's Name? Meet Ray Brennan...

Our first 'What's in a Driver's Name?' interview attracted SO many comments from members of the Caledonian Travel Fan Club on Facebook who loved reading about our drivers, and many people began asking us if their favourite driver could be next!

Well, we've got some more lined up for you over the coming months, and here's our latest...meet Ray Brennan! Ray is our man about London town, who knows the capital city of England like the back of his hand! He's got a few stories to tell, so we asked him: What's in a driver's name...? Check out what Ray had to tell us...


Round and round: That’s how the wheels go at Caledonian Travel; but what made you become a coach driver?
Well, some of my family are bus drivers - some have retired and a few are still working. My father always said if you had a PSV license, I’d always find work and when I was building a family, this was always the most important thing to me at the time. But, driving a bus around a set route didn’t really appeal, and I’d find it rather boring not talking to passengers except when you’re taking fares. So, I wanted to become a coach driver and became one. I don’t regret my decision one bit.

Amuse us:  Do you have any funny stories about your travels? Either passengers, places or things on the road?
Oh, I have a few. The one that sticks out the most is when I was doing the London Windsor tour. I tell passengers that if they have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask as there’s no silly questions…we’ve heard them all during our careers. However, during this tour of London I was traveling to Windsor Castle, and explaining a few details about its history. Then, one passenger piped up and said she thought it was a stupid place to build one!  When I asked why, she said because it’s on the flight path for Heathrow airport…! I had no answer to that. Everyone was laughing.

Your hobbies: What do you like to do when you’re not working? And what pastimes do you like to get up to when you’re on the job?
We don’t have much time in busy season. However, when I get chance I like to fly my aeriel drone, of which I have two. One is a hobby, and another is for professional work. I also like clay pigeon shooting and I go and do when I get a chance.  I've also been known to enjoy Go-Karting too.

Best:  What is your absolute favourite thing about being a Caledonian Travel coach driver?
That's quite an easy one.  Without doubt, it's seeing children with a smile on their face and their looks of amazement as they go around London for the first time. Seeing all these famous landmarks that they've only seen on TV before - I love seeing how excited they are when they see them for real!

"I'm mainly in and around London doing tours"

Radio: Tell us about your music tastes – and what three songs would make your on-board playlist?
I don’t really follow bands. I either like a tune or I don’t. I don’t like rap music, but I do like a bit of everything else. Live music is great, and I have a fond memory of a Saxophonist playing Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Baker Street’ by the London Eye. As for my playlist, I’d go for ‘Solsbury Hill’ by Peter Gabriel, ‘Father and Son’ by Cat Stevens, and ‘Life is Life’ by Opus.

Escape to the country:  Tell us where your regular destinations take you, and what are your favourite places to visit?
I’m mainly in and around London doing tours, and I’ve been there for a number of years. But my favourite place to go in the country has to be the Lake District. It’s amazing place, and I love going there to chill and relax when I’m away from work.

Notable passengers: Ever had anyone famous on your coach?  If so, who? If not…which celebrity would you like to take on a coach holiday and why?
I haven’t had anyone famous on my coach, although I have met loads of famous people whilst out and about in London. I’ve met Robbie Williams of Take That, Declan Donnelly from Ant n' Dec, Piers Morgan and football’s David Seaman. My latest famous meet was Mother of Dragons star, Emilia Clarke.

"The passengers make the tour, and that’s what’s great about coach holidays"

Have you been on one of our tours where Ray has been the man at the wheel?  Let us know all about it over on our Facebook page, and tell us there which other drivers you'd like to hear more about!