The Dalbeattie Destroyer

How did a lad from but from Del BT end up being one of Scotland's greatest ever motorcyclists?

My dad was Scottish champion five times. So, I grew up on the on the racing circuit, and always knew I wanted to race motorbikes. I didn't think it ever been any good. But just like anything, if you set your mind to it and you're determined enough, you can usually end up doing it.

So how did you get started?

I started racing early, when was 16, which was young in those days. When you're young you learn much quicker. So, every time I got out on a bike, I went quicker.

By the time I was 18 I had a professional contract. So, it happened quite quickly for me.

What sort of bikes did you start on, and what sort of races?

I started doing the Scottish championship on 250cc production bikes.

How long before you were in the top tier?

In my second year of racing, I went to the British Championship but got absolutely annihilated. I couldn't believe how quick everybody was. It just blew me away how fast the riders were. But in my third year I started getting in amongst them and won a few races in the British Championship.

What makes the difference between being a winner and an also ran?

Hard work, application, a bit of natural feel for something that you're doing. You need all those things, plus somebody good helping you. I was so lucky that I had my dad who was, in my eyes, the best in the business. That was nobody better than him was setting up bikes and building bikes and stuff. There are also things like having good sponsors.

I knew a lot of riders with incredible talent, and I think every sport’s the same, who got injured and gave up, or they didn't apply themselves, got into drink or drugs or a bad crowd. Anything can happen.

What is it that makes motorbikes so special for you?

I just love them. I love the people I met through them. All my best friends in life I've met through motorbikes and all the most interesting places I've travelled in the world are because of them. I love the feeling, the freedom.

I'm too old to race now, but I still love going places that you could never drive a car or a van. I just love them. Always have, always will.

What was your career highlight?

It was 1994 when I won the British Superbike championship and the British 600 Championship, which nobody's ever done before or since. It's unusual for people to race in two classes in one year. That was definitely my highlight.

Did make a living from motorbikes?

Yes, I’ve made a living from them ever since I was 18. I’ve never had a proper job in my life. That’s the reason for the title of my book. Dad was a real grafter and said I was always a playboy.

You had such an exciting career on the track, what do you do now?

I do a lot of instructing. I'm in Anglesey today and yesterday, and I'm at Mallory park tomorrow. I also run organised tours for people around Scotland and Europe. I do two or three trips a year to Spain or France or Italy, Austria, the Alps, Switzerland or Germany. I’ve got a passion for history and castles. I also take them round battlefields.

Part of that is because I think everybody should learn more about the horrors of war, so we never go to war again. I’d love to take some of the people who run the country round these places and try and educate them a bit.