End of the road for owners of Huntly taxi firm as they drive off into retirement
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A BUSINESS which has taken thousands of people safely home, ferried people to hospital appointments - even expectant mums to the maternity hospital and hundreds of oil industry workers to the heliport is on the market.
Deveron Taxis owners, Brian Morris and Jim Forbes have decided it's time to hang up their driving gloves and have the option of an early night or long lie.
The business was founded by Keith Petrie and Brian sat into the driving seat on Christmas night in 2000 to be joined by Jim as a partner in 2008.
But Brian, (65) and Jim (64) have decided that their days of working late nights and weekends are over.
During their time in the business, the longest fare ever was to Wolverhampton although runs to Edinburgh and Glasgow have been common place.
A former lorry driver, Jim never thought twice about the long haul runs.
In recent years, the firm has held the contract from Keith Cancer Link to take patients from the Keith area to Aberdeen for treatment.
Brian said: "That is a good and valuable contract but it is also very satisfying to be able to make life easier for folk when they are going through treatment.
"They appreciate the personal, door to door service but are often quite frail or anxious. As their treatments progress, they are often really tired too and get into the car and fall asleep."
Jim added: "As a taxi owner it's not something you can do half, you have to be available pretty much 24/7."
Brian added: "To do that means missing out on such a lot of nights out, family celebrations and such like. We have done our turn of that and have had some very loyal customers but it's time to stop."
The partners plan to retire in April.
The business comprises the telephone number and goodwill, the cars may be available by separate negotiation.
