(Source: Perthshire Advertiser)

HE’S invested in planes, trains, automobiles and buses but high-flying Stagecoach pioneer Brian Souter has decided space travel is a step too far.

Close friend Sir Richard Branson is plotting a giant leap for mankind and invited the Perth businessman to join him on the inaugural Virgin Galactic space flight, which could take-off within the next two years.

The projected price is £120,000 for a thrilling 150-minute journey rocketing 70 miles above the planet – but even the prospect of a free boarding pass has failed to sway Mr Souter.

Word has it he might have found himself sharing a cabin with rock legend David Bowie, scientist Sir Stephen Hawking and racing drivers Michael Schumacher, Nikki Lauda and Rubens Barrichello.

But the Stagecoach co-founder told the PA: “I have politely declined Sir Richard’s kind invitation.

“I feel I have risked enough of my nine lives along the way and won’t be tempting providence.

“I’m sure it will be great entertainment and a memorable flight. But I have survived a few hairy escapades with other modes of transport so the odds might not be in my favour."