Careers old and new

from Lochaber Life #335 September 2021

Three cheers for Lochaber volunteers

DEMPSTER FAMILY MARKS SENIOR AND JUNIOR SERVICE

Iain Ferguson In 1971 a young mother attended an interview, babe in arms, for a waiting job at the Clan MacDuff Hotel in Achintore Road. Fifty years on May Dempster, celebrated her unbroken record of employment at the hotel with a special reception and thank you arranged by owners, the Fyfe family, friends and colleagues.

On the day of her presentation, May’s grandson, 17-year-old Finlay Dempster spent his first day of training with the Royal Marines in Devon, hoping to make this his lifelong career.

While May puts her long service down to being treated as part of the family, Finlay also set about joining a military family which, judging by the turn out and age range of people attending at local Remembrance parades each year, he will also be a part of all of his life.

In another parallel, while May was given gifts of recognition by the Fyfe family, who run the hotel, Finlay was also presented with gifts and a copy of his service record by Training Ship St Christopher, where, as a Sea Cadet, he, too, set some records.

Commanding Officer Derick Campbell said: “Finlay’s conduct has been exemplary, since he came through the door as a quiet wee laddie at the age of 10. He is the current record holder for the Cadets’ Commando Speed March for his time of 43 minutes 17 seconds, competing against Sea Cadets from across Scotland. Thanks to Finlay and several predecessors, the winner’s cup has never left Lochaber.

“Setting him in good stead for what is to come in his training, he also joined members of the Royal Marines Association on the same course carrying a full 36lb pack and completed it in an hour and two minutes. Speaking at May’s presentation ceremony, Clan MacDuff manager, Angus Fyfe was equally praiseworthy of May, saying: “In fifty years you have never taken a day off work, even when you felt unwell and that is just tremendous.

“A big thank you is never going to be enough for all your help and commitment, doing us so many obligements and little extras that have helped us solve problems and give numerous guests such excellent service.”

Congratulations to both May and Finlay for dedication to their chosen careers.