A COUNTY taxi driver has hit his millionth mile – the same distance as driving around the world 40 times.

Albert Smith, who lives in Macmerry, has been driving taxis for 32 years.

The 57-year-old told the Courier: “I was considering getting rid of the car a few years ago, but a couple of mates had mentioned that I must be getting close to hitting a million miles in it, so I held on to it, just to get the landmark.”

Albert has driven quite a few celebrities in his time, including Sir Billy Connolly and late Hollywood movie star Robert Vaughn.

“I got my photo taken with Robert Vaughn,” Albert said. “He was performing in a show during the festival a few years ago. He was really nice.

“So was Billy Connolly. He got in my cab with his wife Pamela Stephenson. They weren’t going far so I didn’t have too much time to talk to them, but they seemed great.”

Despite reaching the million-mile milestone with his trusty cab, Albert is now considering replacing it.

“It’s needed it for a while to be honest,” he said. “I have a year to consider what type I’ll replace it with. It needs to be a low emissions car to fit in with Edinburgh Council’s emissions target.”

As a former mechanic, Albert knows how to make a car last.

“I’ve taken good care of my car and it’s needed a few replacement parts over the years. It made it to the million, though,” he said.