Firth School bids a fond farewell to Eileen

Eileen Fraser is hanging up her apron as a school cook having served up tasty food to primary children in Firth for the past 31 years.

Eileen is one of many dedicated school catering staff across Orkney who provide an essential service to our children and young people – fuelling their future through food!

She has been serving up meals to several generations at the old and new Firth Schools.

“I may just have sneaked into the third generation. Does that make me very old?” she laughs.

We caught up with Eileen, an assistant cook, during one of her last shifts. She chatted away to each bairn as they appeared at the hatch for lunch, welcoming all by their first names.

“I can honestly say I just love my job. Let’s face it, I wouldn’t have been here for 31 years if I didn’t like it! I love seeing the bairns and each has their own character. My work colleagues over the years have made it really special too. I’ve worked with Sylvia for 22 years and Amanda it must be around a decade or more.”

She has mixed feelings on her retirement from the school.

“It’s been such a huge part of my life, I’m sure I will miss the people and bairns hugely but it’s time for a change. I really would like to encourage others to give school catering a go – it really is a fantastic job with lots of benefits. It’s ideal for someone with children as you never need to worry about finding childcare, you have that security of working with the Council, being part of a small team and, most importantly, it’s just great fun.”

For more information on the jobs available in Orkney’s schools take a look online at www.orkney.gov.uk/cooks