Alistair Macleod was born and brought up in Greenock when there were, then, more shipyards than call centres. He has been closely associated with ships all his life and has been involved in national consumer transport matters and shipping projects for over 35 years gaining broad experience of current business and consultancy practices within an international framework. Alistair has lived  with his wife in Colinton for 6 years. He was at Merchiston Castle School from 1953-57 so is not unfamiliar with Colinton over the years.

A Design Engineer by profession and an entrepreneur by nature, he has run his own companies from the age of 24. His businesses have ranged from energy and security management to marine interests and projects. He has vast experience of political lobbying, particularly regarding integrated transport for consumers. 

He was commissioned in 2004 by Brian Souter, Chief Executive of the Stagecoach Group, to conduct research on ferry opportunities in Scotland and UK. He has been Sir Brian Souter’s consultant on ferry projects on the Forth, Clyde, Loch Ness, Manchester, the Tyne and abroad. He managed the successful Forth Hovercraft trial in July 2007 for Stagecoach which carried over 32,000 passengers in 12 days.

He has written numerous articles and papers for marine and aviation publications and given many papers and talks to various organisations.