Gee Gee G-cab

When you transport horses worth up to £1.5 million, only the best will do - and that’s exactly what Eric Gillie’s new Scania G500 is

- Dougie Rankine

Equine logistics is one of the most specialized niches in transport. Eric Gillie Horse Transport was established in 1974 and has since grown to become one of the premier transporters of horses in the UK. They’ve even been awarded a Royal Appointment and are responsible for moving Her Majesty’s own horses. When it comes to endorsements, it doesn’t get any better than that.

The firm was set up by Eric and Jane Gillie in 1974. Eric had followed his father into the transport business as based in the Scottish borders, men would tend to follow their fathers into the traditional industries such as agriculture and textiles, or the haulage operations which supported them. R&W Young from Yetholm was one of the biggest haulers and employers in the area and Eric began working with them.

The company covered a variety of areas including general haulage and livestock, with Eric employed in the latter. When Young’s decision to reduce their livestock operation, Eric realized there could be an opportunity for him, with his experience in the transport side and Jane’s experience on the horse side of things. They invested £2000 on a 1968 Bedford TK horsebox, which they altered to their spec for the horses they were carrying at the time. They then set up a limited company in 1975 and the business grew steadily to a peak of eight vehicles.

Today, Eric and Jane are retired and it’s their two sons Mick, Alan, sister Philippa and daughter-in-law Karen who run the business. We traveled to their base near Kelso to speak to Mick Gillie and check out their stunning new flagship truck.