Meet the Team - Ian Parker

Rail Operative Ian Parker has spent more than five decades working in the railway industry, building a career that stretches from the steelworks of South Wales to the freight operations of the Scottish Highlands.

Ian joined Victa Railfreight around seven years ago after finishing in his previous role with DB Schenker. However, his railway career began much earlier, first entering the industry in 1973 when he started working for Transrail at the steelworks in Ravenscraig, Motherwell, where he was involved in handling steel traffic, including coils and slabs.

From those early days in the 1970s working with heavy steel freight, Ian has gone on to work with several companies that were part of the British Rail family, building up an impressive 53 years of railway experience.

Today, Ian works as a mobile Rail Operative for Victa, with most of his shifts based at Needlefield Intermodal Terminal in Inverness. Working on a zero-hours contract gives him the flexibility to choose the hours that suit him, something he particularly values now that he is beyond retirement age.

In his role, Ian’s duties vary depending on operational needs, but his work mainly involves shunting operations and examining freight and engineering trains. He also plays an important role in ensuring the safety and security of trains entering the yard. With more than half a century of railway knowledge behind him, Ian’s experience is invaluable to the wider Victa Railfreight team.

Ian says he appreciates the support he has received from colleagues, and the opportunity Victa Railfreight has given him to continue contributing to the industry.

Outside of work, Ian dedicates much of his spare time to charity fundraising, often taking on the persona of his alter ego ‘Pat the Leprechaun’. Through the character, he supports collections for a number of charitable causes, including the Celtic Foundation, which helps people living in poverty through initiatives focused on hunger, employability, social inclusion and education.

Pat the Leprechaun was “born” almost 17 years ago when Ian realised the character could be a fun and engaging way to help with fundraising efforts. Since then, he has taken part in numerous charity events and St Patrick’s Day parades both in the UK and internationally. This year, Ian is looking forward to bringing Pat to the celebrations in Galway.

Ian said: “Pat the Leprechaun came to being when I realised it was a great way to help out with charity collections. It’s been great fun taking part in events throughout the years including various St Patrick’s Day parades - New York and Toronto were real highlights - and raising money for good causes such as the Celtic Foundation.”

In May 2025, Ian also joined colleagues from Needlefield Intermodal Terminal in Inverness for a charity football match, raising money for The Archie Foundation. The event raised more than £4,000 for the charity, which supports children and families in healthcare across the north of Scotland.

And if Pat had a superpower? According to Ian, it would be simple - making the sun shine permanently on every railway yard.

Thank you for everything you do Ian!