Driving a livestock float has become a more comfortable job. Harry Thomson knows that only too well after 57 years behind the wheel.
The 74-year-old – he still drives a small float for the business now run by his son, Eric – said cab heating, power steering, more comfortable seats and better engines all made it more bearable.
The livestock float fleet, however, had more problems with the cattle they transport as the introduction of continental breeds has brought with it animals that are flightier and often more difficult to deal with than the Aberdeen-Angus and Herefords which dominated when he started driving lorries, aged 17 in 1956.
Mr Thomson received four glowing citations, praising him for his professionalism and the outstanding service his family firm has provided two generations of livestock farmers across Britain from its base in the former kirk and manse at Sauchen. He has hauled cattle, sheep, pigs, deer and even ostriches from all points around Britain and the Scottish islands. The ostriches went to Belgium, the firm’s only ever international job.
Although he and his wife, Sheila, retired from the business in 2006, Mr Thomson is still out most days in a 7.5 tonne float collecting livestock from farms that are difficult to reach by an articulated trailer. “I quite enjoy it,” he added.
His business style over the years was one that never involved saying no to a customer. “It landed me in a few snarls. We always got something done at the end of the day, but I did sometimes cause myself a lot of hassle,” he added.
The distinctive green Thomson floats have their roots in the haulage business founded by Mr Thomson’s Keig-born father, Henry, in 1929 in Aberdeen. Despite having a foot shot off during World War I, he drove the mail van and then bought a lorry. H. Thomson Cluny Carrier moved to Sauchen in 1947 and became Henry Thomson and Sons in 1969 when Harry and his bothers, Jack and Eric, were brought in. It had been in general haulage but in the 1970s the decision was taken to concentrate on livestock. Jack and Eric retired in 1987. Mr and Mrs Thomson brought daughter, Kathleen, and sons, Eric and Harry, into the business in 1996 and increased the fleet to 22 lorries.
But disaster struck in 2001 when foot-and-mouth disease reared its ugly head and a UK-wide livestock movement ban was imposed on February 23 that year.
“It was the lowest spot for us ever. I came in on the Monday morning and there were 26 guys in the yard and not one thing for them to do. We had to do something as there were wages and bills to pay so I got on the phone,” said Mr Thomson.
Other north-east hauliers rallied round. Aberdeen’s ARR Craib made use of the Thomson fleet as did Gibb’s of Fraserburgh.
That helped tide the business over until livestock movements resumed under licence. Mr Thomson also admits he got lucky at that time after landing a deal to haul lambs from the north-east to slaughter in Wales. But the impact was severe and the fleet was cut to 17.
Mr Thomson made it clear on retirement that he did not want a fuss to be made. One citation said: “Recognition through the RNAS awards would be a fitting and well-deserved thank-you for all he has done and still does for the farming community.”
Lorries still play a centre role in the life of Mr Thomson, who won the Scottish Fleet of the Year award in 2005. He received the accolade from the Princess Royal.
He has four vintage lorries – a 1939 Albion, two Leylands from 1949 and 1950 and an ERF from 1960. These are regularly taken out on road runs and to rallies.
Mr Thomson is still in shock at the award, saying he thought it was a joke when RNAS secretary Alison Argo phoned to ask if he would accept it.
“I’m pretty proud of it. I must have done something right as folk must have appreciated what I’ve done,” he added.
A citation added: “Harry took great pride in his fleet, running to time, clean vehicles and never forgetting the welfare of his client’s livestock. A very cheery, pleasant and reliable person to visit your farm. He has had a lifetime of dedication to his work.”