Neil Warden - Car, Motorcycle & Commercial Vehicle Observer Assessor

Neil completed an advanced driving course in 1995 with Grampian Police and thereafter joined Aberdeen Advanced Motorists, passing the IAM test, and then getting involved as an Observer before joining the committee as Observer Trainer. Neil is qualified as both a National Observer and a Local Observer Assessor. He has previously been Group Chairman, for 3 different terms, Vice Chair in 2019 and from 2020 onwards as Aberdeen Group Secretary and Observer Liaison for the biker group, primarily. Neil passed his driver Masters with distinction in October 2021.

Gary Macalister - Car Observer Assessor

Gary passed his Advanced test in 1987 and soon after started Observing. At that time, Observers were not so lucky as to have the standards clearly spelled out as in today's IAM Observers Handbook. Nevertheless, Gary has successfully found the right skills to coach Associates to meet the requirements and successfully pass the IAM Advanced test. Gary gained his National Observer qualification in 2017 and was appointed as a Local Observer Assessor in November 2018. Gary is also now serving his second term on the Committee with the role of Observer Liaison for the car observer team, primarily.

Joff Christie - Biker Observer

Joff gained his motorcycle driving license in 1989, and for a month or so, worked as a motorcycle courier between Southampton and the surrounding area, including London. When Joff bought a powerful VFR800, he thought it wise to better his understanding of being able to ride safely and efficiently by signing up to the IAM. He has been an Observer since 2014 and would recommend other riders to do the same, helping other like minded motorcyclists become better and safer riders. Joff is presently in his second year as Chairman of the Aberdeen Group, having been an active member on the Committee since 2014 and previously held the post of Treasurer.

Kenny Hair - Biker Observer

For many years, Kenny had trained, coached and assisted personnel while at work, so it seemed a natural progression to carry this through to motorcycling. Kenny is now a National Observer for the bike section and gains great satisfaction in passing on his years of riding experience, helping other bikers get more enjoyment out of their own rides as they increase their experiences, knowledge and competence. Kenny notes that it sometimes comes as quite a shock to many Associate riders that there is indeed a lot of fun to be had while learning and absorbing the IAM Advanced Rider course. Kenny is always keen to speak to anybody about Advanced Rider (or Driver) training especially if you see him while he's "Oot an' Aboot" on his beautiful black BMW 1200GS.

Gary Lashbrook - Biker Observer

Gary started riding at 16 to commute around London then in 1999, he passed IAM Advanced Riding test in Kent with EKAM. He later joined Northallerton Advanced Bikes and trained as a Local Observer in 2008 and as a National Observer in 2015. Gary later moved north to Aboyne and joined AAM , adding to our National Observer team.

Chris Noble - Biker Observer

We are very pleased to welcome back Chris Noble after a short break away. Chris is an experienced National Observer and has a Masters with Distinction qualification. Chris also recently renewed his Fellow assessment and achieved a F1RST. He also has a RoSPA Gold. Chris is our most qualified National Observer.

Tony Webb - Driver Observer

Tony joined AAM in 2018, having moved to the area from West Sussex. He has more than 50 years of driving bikes and cars under his belt and passed the original Institute of Advanced Motorists test in 1970. He gained his IMI Local Observer qualification in 2017 in England before moving to Scotland where he went on to secure his National Observer's qualification in 2019. Tony also follows the classic car movement, especially those from the earlier motoring days of 1960s and 1970s. In fact, 2 of his past Associates are like-minded CC enthusiasts.

Phil Lamb - Bike Observer

Alan Fraser - Driver Observer

Alan joined IAM in 1983 and became a Committee member of AAM shortly thereafter. A change of career and family commitments meant that he didn't have enough time for AAM matters and he resigned from AAM duties quite a few years ago. However, Alan has now got more time on his hands and is once again keen to become more involved with Committee matters and Observing duties. We are very pleased to re-welcome him to our team.

Dirk McBain - Biker Observer

Dirk’s passion for motorcycling came in 1982 when he got his first off-road motorbike and was hooked on riding 2 wheels, it wasn’t until 1993 he obtained his full bike license. Dirk served in in the Royal Engineers where he was an active member of the off-road Motorcycle team and also had the opportunity to tour parts of Canada, USA and Europe and more recently taken part in many charity rides throughout the UK. Wanting to improve his riding skills and share his knowledge and experience led him to becoming and advanced rider and subsequently pursue an observers qualification

Gordon Drysdale - Biker Observer

Gordon has been riding bikes since the age of 16 but his interest in them lapsed due to family commitments. However, he rediscovered his love of bikes after a trip to the USA and once again bought a bike. He joined the local Blood Bikes group in 2017 and became an Advanced Rider in 2019. We are very pleased that that his enthusiasm for bike riding makes him take up the challenge of becoming a Local Observer.

John Banks - Driver Observer

After starting to drive in 1994, John says that it took him far too many years to start the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driving course. It was one of these things that it seemed he would never get round to. The impetus to take up advanced driving was predicated on a desire to be a better, safer, more considerate driver and to enjoy long drives around the country. So finally in 2021, John took the plunge and passed his assessment with a F1RST. This success motivated him to continue to learn and contribute by becoming a trainee car Observer. John aims to get his Local Observer qualification as the next step on this journey.

Ross Bradley - Biker Observer

Ross started driving in 1996 and passed his motorcycle test in 2006. After enjoying several years of touring and riding, he decided that he wanted to improve his riding skills and so completed an IAM Advanced Riding course, passing his test in June 2019. He found that the IAM process was a great benefit to his riding and consequently, decided to progress towards National bike Observer which allows him to share the skills and knowledge, that he acquired through the IAM course, with others.

Wayne Clarke - Biker Observer

Wayne started driving 1985 when he was with the Royal Air Force and 10 years later, obtained his motorcycle license when serving in Anglesey. He has ridden a bike all over UK from Land’s End to Shetland and really enjoys the rural roads in Aberdeenshire. Some of his rides have been associated with charity events and is also a current participating member of the local NERVS Blood Bikes charity. In fact, it was through Blood Bikes that Wayne committed to an IAM Course for Advanced Riding and came into contact with other AAM bikers. He found that riding with AAM was most enjoyable and was more than happy when asked to join our team as an Observer; he is currently training to become a Local Observer. Wayne was also elected to the Committee for 2020.