For nearly three decades, Donald Mathieson and D&E Coaches have been a familiar sight across the Highland landscape, forging connections that have touched countless lives and communities.
Now, as Donald announces his retirement from D&E Coaches, the company will embark on a new journey under the ownership of The Highland Council, while the company’s original management team remains in place.
This transition is set to continue Donald’s enduring legacy, while heralding a new chapter for the transport institution he built from the ground up.
In 1996, with a single minibus and a clear vision, Donald Mathieson, along with his wife, Elizabeth, set out on a path that would transform Highland transport.
Operating initially from their home, they quickly grew their operations and secured a yard on Deveron Street, laying the foundations for what would become D&E Coaches, the largest private hire coach and minibus operator in the north of Scotland.
Through sheer determination and a deep understanding of the region’s needs, Donald nurtured the company’s growth, building not just a business, but a reputation for reliability, quality service, and community connections.
In October 2002, D&E Coaches moved to a new purpose-built building at 39 Henderson Drive, becoming a Limited Company the following year.
Speaking of his journey, Donald shared:
“Starting out with just one bus and growing to a fleet of 60 is perhaps one of my proudest achievements.
“I’ll always cherish the early days when my dad helped with the books, typing out invoices with one finger on an old typewriter.
“Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing.
“Back then I didn’t have a fax machine.
“So when a big contract opportunity came along, I had to sprint to the BT shop on Academy Street to buy the cheapest machine so they could fax me over the details.
“Fortunately, we got the contract, so it was worth the panic!”
Donald’s foresight and leadership positioned D&E Coaches to seize opportunities and become a trusted partner for various organisations across the Highlands.
His commitment to innovation led to the acquisition of modern and versatile vehicles, including Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-decker buses, suitable for a variety of work, including scheduled routes, private hire, and cruise ship shuttles; a £2.3 million investment in new, luxury, low-emission coaches, underlining its focus on both passenger comfort and environmental considerations; and an investment in three Van Hool Ex16M coaches to meet increasing service demands across the region.
At the end of 2024, the company also trialled its first electric coach in a bid to support a more sustainable transport model in the Highlands.
D&E Coaches has also been a key player in Highland tourism, facilitating the exploration of its breathtaking landscapes and world-renowned attractions.
The company’s successful city sightseeing tours, developed under Donald’s guidance, allowed visitors and locals alike to discover the beauty and history of the Highlands.
In recent years, the firm also introduced the Outlander Experience, bringing additional joy to fans of the acclaimed television series.
However, Donald’s commitment to D&E extended far beyond simply running a successful business, as he has always been deeply invested in the well-being of the Highland community.
This commitment manifested in numerous ways throughout his management, particularly through supporting access to cultural experiences for young people.
Each year, D&E Coaches transported over 200 schools to Eden Court Theatre’s festive pantomime, covering 9,000 miles each December to ensure even children in the most remote communities could enjoy this cherished tradition.
Donald himself noted the importance of these trips on several occasions, stating that for many children, “the school panto trip is their first encounter with live theatre, sparking creativity and fostering a lifelong love of the arts”.
This support also extended to providing vital transport links for other school trips, ensuring that children from all over had access to educational and enriching experiences.
In 2023, the company also became the official transport service for the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, helping to make travel hassle-free, sustainable, and much easier for festival-goers.
Donald’s commitment to the community can be further demonstrated through his partnerships with local charities.
Over the years, D&E Coaches contributed to numerous causes, including MFR Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas, helping disadvantaged children across the Highlands, and Held in Our Hearts’ Highland support hub, which offers vital counselling and peer support to grieving families.
Donald has also been a long-time supporter of The Archie Foundation, an organisation dedicated to making a difference for children and families facing bereavement and healthcare challenges in the Highlands.
Donald’s personal dedication to the community has earned him widespread respect and admiration.
He is known not only as a shrewd businessman but also as a dedicated local figure, always willing to go the extra mile to support the region and its people.
This dedication, combined with his strategic vision, has built D&E Coaches into a highly respected and trusted name in Highland transport.
The sale of D&E Coaches to The Highland Council is a strategic decision that ensures the continued provision of essential transport services and secures the future of the company’s dedicated employees.
Donald will remain involved during the transition, providing invaluable advisory support to ensure a seamless handover.
“Building D&E Coaches has been a true privilege,” said Donald.
“It means everything to me after my family. It’s been my life for the last 30 years and is, inevitably, my greatest achievement.
“I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished and the positive impact we’ve had on the Highlands.
“This transition is a natural evolution, and I’m confident that The Highland Council will continue to uphold the values and commitment to service that have defined D&E Coaches for so many years.”
D&E Coaches is the largest private hire coach and minibus operator in the north of Scotland, providing transport solutions to the Highlands for over 29 years.
The award-winning transport firm specialises in contract and private hire, business hire, event transport, school bus runs and airport transfers.
D&E Coaches also operates the Inverness City Sightseeing service alongside D&E Tours, which provides tourists with the opportunity to visit sights across the Highlands, including Loch Ness.
For more information, visit www.decoaches.co.uk or follow D&E Coaches on Facebook
