In Staff Talk, we are passionate about recognising colleagues who live and breathe our staff values of Focus, Passion and Inspiration.
One such colleague is Lamlash-based Administration Officer and Lead Registrar, Loretta Adamson who recently received surprise recognition for her long 40 years’ service.
Loretta’s manager Brodie Pearcey shares: “Loretta really is at the heart of Arran’s Neighbourhood Services team. We are a small and unique team of five, working closely together covering everything from marriages, births and deaths registrations, to planning events and supporting other Council services on the island.
“Loretta is well-known to all and a much-loved member of the community. Her family all work for the Council and she lives just along the road from the Lamlash Local Office.
“What is really incredible about Loretta, is not only has she been with us now for 41 years, during her career in the Council she has never once had a sick day! This was one of the main reason’s we wanted to shine the Staff Talk spotlight on her.
“We also wanted to take the chance to recognise Admin and Assistant Registrar and one of Loretta’s good friend’s, Susan Barr, who has also worked with us now for 25 years and will soon be happily retiring in November.”
“Loretta and Susan are exemplary employees and an inspiration to all. Their long service and absolute dedication to their roles is greatly appreciated and it’s wonderful to have them both as part of the team.”Thomas Reaney, Head of Service Neigbourhood Services
Lots of adventures along the way…
“Something I will never forget was when we had taken a reservation from a couple linked to a sham wedding organisation,” recalls Loretta.
“On the day of the wedding (many years ago now), Border Force officers arrived on the island and parked their vehicles round at the back of the building out of the way then came into the office in full body protection complete with guns. In the end, the couple missed the ferry and the wedding didn’t go ahead.
“Fondly, I have also married both Brodie and Helen in our team, although disclaimer, not to each other!
“It has been wonderful to have been recognised thank you all, however I couldn’t do it without our incredible team. I would also like to take the opportunity to wish my colleague and dear friend Susan a very happy retirement when it comes, we will really miss her.”
Thomas Reaney, Head of Neighbourhood Services shared: “Following a visit earlier this year to the Lamlash Registration office, I was amazed to learn of the varied work of the team.
“Loretta, Susan and the team continue to go the extra mile, leaving a lasting impact on their colleagues and communities alike. We are so grateful to have them and appreciate the hard work they put in for residents and visitors to the Isle of Arran.”
Susan plans to enjoy the days that are left with the team
First starting with Cunninghame District Council back in 1979, Susan is an other exemplary employee at the Arran Local Office.
Susan shares: “I have worked beside Loretta since 1999, when the Admin team was formed and we’ve had our desks next to each other ever since.
“Our days are always full of surprises that keep us on our toes. At a recent Lochranza Castle wedding on a particularly blustery day, the couple accidentally let go of the Marriage Schedule and it took off into the air, destined for the sea…
“My reflexes kicked in immediately grabbing it safely and saving the day. My dress did almost end up over my head mind you!
“One of my most memorable weddings was when I married a genuine German Princess a few years ago and a lovely side of the job is when you can marry relatives or friends.
“Me and Loretta have been so long in the biz now that we’ve even married people whose births we first registered and then registered their children’s births. It’s also been so special to have the chance to marry some of my own children’s friends too, making lovely memories along the way.
“Not only are we friends in and outside of work, she’s been there for me through all sorts, both in the workplace and personally. Any time I have struggled with anything, she has always shown patience and a smile.
“It’s hard to believe that I’ll be retiring this year, leaving the team will be really emotional for me.
“The Arran team, Brodie, Helen, Loretta, Kerry and me really are a great bunch. Our team is unique and I’ll miss them all very much. So, as the weeks countdown I will try my best to enjoy the time and make the most of my days with them.”
We are always on the lookout for positive news stories where we can shine a spotlight on our exemplary employees. Email: communications@north-ayrshire.gov.uk for your chance to be featured next time…
Brodie adds: “Loretta really is a pleasure to work with and always puts in the extra effort to any task she carries out and is a vital part of the small team we have with a wealth of knowledge built over the years of a wide range of Council operations.
“We are also going to miss her much-loved partner in crime Susan. As a team we are sociable though, so we’ll all keep in touch as everyone lives on the island – something that makes our team so special.”
Loretta joined the Roads Department as a Clerical Assistant in 1983. Almost two decades later, she then successfully applied for her current role as Lead Registrar for Arran and office manager.
With an exciting and varied role, full of surprises, Loretta (pictured above right) with the help of Susan (middle) and the rest of the team, have carried out weddings on beaches, castles, Lochs and even on water.
A surprised Loretta shares: “Thank you to the team for this lovely recognition. It’s been a journey over the past 41 years’ and I look forward to many making more memories.
“In my job, no two days are ever quite the same. I really enjoy it and the problem-solving and variation it has.
“One of the perks of the job is experiencing the scenic beauty of our island.
“I had to set my alarm at 3am recently to prepare for a Hindu wedding ceremony taking place during sunrise at Kingscross Point.
“The earliest rise I ever had really paid off mind you, as the views were spectacular at that time in the morning!
“Just a couple of weeks ago, we also had a wedding at Arran’s picturesque Loch Iorsa, an incredible location situated within a scenic glen on the west of Arran, where the schedule was signed in the quaint boathouse.
“There has also been lots of weddings on water… once on a lounge on the Waverley with other passengers peering through the windows, wondering what was going on.
“Then, over on the Brodick to Ardrossan ferry, we helped nuptials aboard the Observation Lounge where the timing was planned perfectly to avoid the ceremony being disturbed by the ‘bing-bong’ announcement as the ferry entered the pier.
“We also have a wedding up on Goatfell on the cards for next year. Susan is thankful to be retiring as she joked that she’d need a helicopter drop-off if she was on duty that day!”
