Moray Council’s longest serving member of staff’s retirement marked
Moray Council’s longest ever serving staff member, of 50 years 5 months and 28 days, has had his retirement marked by senior officers.
Willie Duncan left school in 1970 at 15 years of age and served his apprenticeship as a Joiner with Moray District Council at Blackfriars, Elgin. He went on to spend over 50 years with the council in its various incarnations.
During that time he progressed to Joiner, Foreman, Area Manager, and latterly Senior Housing Projects Officer, based at Mosstodloch.
Willie retired during the covid-19 pandemic, in December 2020, with his wife, Moira, also retiring shortly afterwards, following her own long service with the Education and Social Care Team at the council.
Now that pandemic mitigations allow, Willie’s retirement milestone has been marked at a presentation by Deputy Chief Executive, Denise Whitworth, who said:
“Over 50 years is a milestone it’s unlikely many of us will reach with Moray Council, given Willie was 15 years old when he started with Elgin Town Council. It’s a remarkable achievement and one we are delighted to mark as we thank Willie for his fantastic service to Moray.
“We wish Willie all the best in this new chapter of his life and we hope he enjoys his retirement with his wife, Moira, visiting family around the world.”
During the presentation, Willie Duncan said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my work with the council. I never had a bad day with the staff I worked with over the years. The professionalism of the staff stands out, from the tradesmen right through to the guys in the office, without them the system doesn’t work.
“There’s been a lot of changes over the years. I’ve seen a lot of faces, a lot of management changes, and structure changes but I’ve made a lot of friends and I thank them very much.”
Mike Rollo, Building Services Manager, added: “Personally, I thank Willie for his support to me during my time in the council. 50 years is a phenomenal milestone to reach and the changes Willie has seen during his time with us are exceptional.
“Willie will be missed at work but we look forward to seeing him in his role as Moray Ambassador for Elgin BID as we wish him and Moira a well-deserved happy retirement.”
Willie’s hobbies include motor biking, hillwalking, travel and he’s also an active member of Elgin dramatic societies. He’s currently an Ambassador for Moray with Elgin BID and is a ‘weel kent face’ in Elgin circles having been involved in hosting the likes of the Christmas lights switch on over many years.
Willie and Moira intend to spend their retirement travelling, and with family in Canada and Australia after recently returning from Tenerife and all at Moray Council wish them the very best.