17 Dec 50 Years with Barratlantic: A Journey from the Factory Floor to the Open Road
In celebration of Barratlantic’s 50th anniversary, we sat down with one of their longest-serving employees, Angus Macmillan, a dedicated driver who has been with the company for almost its entire existence. His journey reflects the evolution of both the company and the fishing industry in the area, marking a story of growth, adaptation, and commitment.
Starting Out: From the Building Site to the Factory Floor
The story begins in the early 1970s. Fresh out of school, he worked initially on building sites, constructing houses, before trying his hand at the local fish factory, which had just opened its doors in April 1974. With a stroke of luck, he left the building site on a Friday and, after a quick phone call, was offered a position at the factory by Sunday evening. By Monday morning, he had begun what would become a lifelong career at Barratlantic.
Starting as a fish filleter, he learned the ropes, working hands-on with freshly caught seafood. This period was one of change and growth for the company; initially handling only crabs, Barratlantic soon expanded to process various types of fish as the business grew.
Navigating Change and Expansion
The company’s journey wasn’t always smooth. Just five years in, Barratlantic faced a period of downturn, followed by a shift in ownership that brought renewed energy. John King acquired the business, and under his leadership, the company rebounded and set off on a path of steady growth.
One of the major changes he observed was in the transportation side of the business. In the early days, flat lorries without refrigeration were the standard, with the fish being refrigerated only within the factory itself. As refrigerated lorries became the industry norm, Barratlantic adapted to ensure the freshness of their seafood, particularly for transport across the UK. By the early 1980s, he had transitioned fully into driving, moving from flat lorries to modern refrigerated trucks, a change that made a significant difference in product quality and logistics.
Memorable Moments on the Road
A career in driving has come with many memorable moments. A highlight was his role in the scallop shell trade, transporting shells from Barra to a business in Weymouth that used them for food presentation. “It’s been a great adventure,” he reflects, recounting the numerous trips, and the regular ferry rides back to Barra.
Over the years, he also witnessed a remarkable sense of community within the industry. Islanders often went out of their way to support each other, demonstrating a sense of interconnectedness that extended far beyond the borders of Barratlantic.
The Legacy of Leadership and Dedication
John King’s legacy lives on in the company, now managed by his daughter and spearheaded by Donald, a key figure who has almost matched the driver’s own tenure at Barratlantic. Donald’s unwavering commitment has greatly contributed to the company’s lasting success. With a short stint at Calmac before returning to Barratlantic, Donald embodies the spirit of the company and has been instrumental in steering it through the years.
Retirement on the Horizon?
After decades on the road, he is now contemplating retirement, potentially at the end of this year. Despite the idea of retirement, there’s a sense of pride in the journey he’s had with Barratlantic, a journey marked by hard work, resilience, and loyalty.
A Legacy of Quality and Craftsmanship
Barratlantic’s trucks and trailers, manufactured by Gray & Adams, have always been high-quality—a point of pride for the company. With four trailers currently in their fleet, they have relied on Gray & Adams for years, cementing a relationship that underscores the commitment to excellence shared by both Barratlantic and their longest-serving driver.
A Lasting Impact
Reflecting on his time with Barratlantic, he says with pride, “I’ve played a big part in it.” Angus’ story is a testament to the dedication that has helped Barratlantic thrive. Through the ups and downs, he has been a vital part of the company’s journey.
As Barratlantic celebrates this milestone, Angus’ story serves as a reminder of the importance of loyalty, adaptability, and community in building a legacy that spans generations.
Gray & Adams is proud to work with Barratlantic, a company that shares our values, recognising that the success of the company comes from the commitment and high-quality work from our employees.