02 Sep Retirement Spotlight | Brian Irvine

Gray & Adams said goodbye to long-serving employee Brian Irvine on the 19th of July 2024. Brian was based at our Fraserburgh HQ and has worked for Gray & Adams for the last 23 years. We caught up with Brian just after his retirement to find out more about what he will miss about working for Gray & Adams and what he is looking forward to as he enters this new chapter.

What was your role at Gray & Adams and what were your day-to-day responsibilities?

My job was driver shunter, ensuring trailers were moved around to the right department when called for by the managers. I also worked in a team loading the pre-finished containers onto the chassis every day, and making sure that we got trailers in at 5pm for the night shift to work on.

What did you do before you came to Gray & Adams and why did you want to work for the company?

I left school at 16 and did an apprenticeship with Gray & Adams on coach building enjoying all the different things involved such as welding, and joinery taught by Johnny Buchan / Robbie Strachan, two great guys. I left after nine years to pull trailers around the UK. I did that for 18 years, but there was always a part of me that wanted to go back to Gray & Adams. I wanted to work there as I had many friends still there. I also enjoyed the work that was done at Gray & Adams and I wanted to be a proud part of a team that produces a quality product.

What was your biggest achievement while working for Gray & Adams?

What sticks in my mind as an apprentice, if I’m right the first double-deck trailer was for AJ Logan of Kilbirnie and we probably re-made it a few times to get it perfect.

What did you enjoy most about working for Gray & Adams?

I found it easy to speak with my employers, I found this helped with the loss of my brother recently. I also enjoyed the many friends that I have made over the years alongside being part of a team that does a good job

What are your plans for retirement?

My retirement plans are to keep active and be involved in many ongoing community things. I want to be there to help family and many good friends in any way I can and come in past Gray & Adams for coffee and a blether!

James and Peter Gray would like to thank Brian for his commitment to the company and wish him all the best in his retirement going forward.