CalAnd Private Hire, the Bilston-based private hire business serving Edinburgh and the Lothians, has increased its driving capacity after owner Callum Anderson confirmed his wife, Louise Anderson, has become a fully licensed private hire driver.
From sole operator to two-driver team
The change doubles the company’s driving team less than two years after its launch with a single vehicle and driver. The owners say the expansion will allow the firm to take a greater number of bookings and provide more flexible scheduling for key journeys, including airport transfers, weddings and cruise terminal trips.
Services listed by the company include:
- Airport transfers to and from Edinburgh Airport
- Wedding and event transport
- Cruise terminal transfers
- Long-distance and business travel
- Local private hire across the Lothians
Choice and convenience for customers
The business has also introduced an option for passengers to request a female driver when making an advance booking, subject to availability. The move responds to passenger preferences for gender choice in private hire journeys and is intended to broaden the appeal of the service.
“Launching CalAnd Private Hire has been an incredible journey and we’re so grateful for the support we’ve received from customers across Edinburgh and the Lothians,”
Callum told local media that Louise had supported the business since its inception and that her joining the driving rota was a proud milestone for the family-run operation. He added that the couple aim to maintain the “personal, reliable service” they say customers expect from a small, local firm.
Practical impact for Midlothian travellers
For residents of Bilston and neighbouring towns across Midlothian, the expansion means slightly improved availability for scheduled journeys. Small operators such as CalAnd often fill gaps in provision outside city centres where larger taxi firms may not be as responsive during peak demand or for pre-booked specialised journeys like weddings and airport runs.
| Detail | Current situation |
|---|---|
| Number of drivers | 2 (owner + spouse) |
| Base | Bilston, Midlothian |
| Service area | Edinburgh and the Lothians |
Residents seeking private hire should continue to ensure that any vehicle or driver they book is appropriately licensed for private hire work in Scotland. Pre-booking remains the advised route for specific requirements such as airport collection times, weddings or requests for a particular driver gender.
The firm’s expansion is a modest example of local entrepreneurship and family enterprise contributing to transport options in Midlothian. While larger operators dominate urban centres, small, locally based companies often provide tailored services that reflect community needs.
