Jim Johnstone

Though the surname Johnstone originates in the Scottish Borders (they were known as border rievers or in modern terms – cattle thieves !) Jim is a “born and bred” Highlander hailing from Balnain, a little village just a few miles from the shores of Loch Ness. Having spent his formative years in a very small country school along with less than 10 other pupils it was something of a culture shock when at the age of 12 he had to begin his secondary education in the “big town” of Inverness where the school role was about 1200. Though now living fairly close to Inverness it will come as no surprise that he is still a country boy at heart – especially as he is married to a farmer’s daughter.

For many years Jim has been at the helm of J A Johnstone Chauffeur Drive. As the name suggests this is a chauffeur driven car hire business providing services to the business and tourist industries. If you click on the name it will bring you to another website where (on the about us page) you will learn more about Jim, and how he came to be recognised for his driver/guiding abilities.

Though he has been very fortunate in finding excellent chauffeurs to work with him it is true that not all chauffeurs make good driver/guides. It is a particularly specialised area so the idea for this separate website is to bring together the very best. Jim has chosen Ian Fraser, Ian Hamilton, and John Mackellaich as they each share his love of Scottish history, and genuine enthusiasm for private touring.
Now in his early fifties Jim has almost thirty years experience as a driver/guide, but would be the first to admit that the learning process never stops. A fact that was enforced by his father whose lifelong love of history Jim was fortunate to inherit.

There cannot be many roads in Scotland that he has not travelled, and over the years he has frequently toured in England, Ireland and Wales. As a result he tends to cover more of the extended trips covering several days, though he is equally at home touring in the spectacular Highlands and Islands.