What is it like to be a modern-day butler? In this episode of Wisdom of the Ages, Dr. Ayn Cates Sullivan is joined by Alister David Reid, a butler in Scotland managing details for royalty, pop stars, celebrities and those seeking a fairy tale experience. Alister shares his wisdom from years of caring for those requiring precision, discretion and expertise. He talks about the art of being of service while remaining invisible and so much more. Don’t miss this wonderful episode that takes you on a journey inside the very real fairy tale world of the modern-day butler.
The Scottish Butler
Dr. Ayn Cates Sullivan
Welcome world travelers. This is Ayn Cates Sullivan, host of Wisdom of the Ages and today I have a real treat for you. My guest is Alister David Reid. And he’s a modern day butler, who works in great homes and castles in Britain and other places. I recently met him at Craigston Castle in Scotland and it was a real treat.
I have to say, as an American having a butler to help is rather like a dream come true. Alister is full of stories and royal intrigue, so we’ll get into some of this. Let me tell you a little bit about him. Alister David Reid is the owner and director of Alister David Reid Associates, located in Edinburgh, Scotland. His partner Daniel is the director. Alister’s list of clients is so long and impressive and probably also secret. He provides butler service for long and short term clients for high end events, weddings, holidays, and he’s used to pretty sophisticated clientele. With over 30 years of hospitality experience Alister David Reid has the privilege of working with British and European royalty, various British aristocrat families, pop stars and film stars and also some rogue Americans that show up.
I’ll say that when I booked a butler for my daughter’s wedding in June, I was skeptical. I was thinking, “I can do this all myself. I don’t need any help,” and I am so glad that I got help. The destination wedding went smoothly and I was able to enjoy the event and so did everyone else. We had a castle fairytale wedding that actually happened. I was so impressed with Alister that I invited him onto the show.
If you want to do your destination wedding, or some kind of outrageous fairy tale event, you can go to his website. It’s alisterdavidreidassociates.co.uk. When we come back from the short break, I’m going to introduce Alister and we’re going to have some fun and find out what it’s like to be a butler in this day and age. So stay tuned we’ll be right back.
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