Praise for long service with ferries

After more than 42 years helping steer the office side of Orkney Ferries, Lorraine MacDonald is heading off to new pastures.

On leaving school, Lorraine joined the then Orkney Islands Shipping Company as an office junior on July 4, 1977.

She said: “In my lifetime with the company I have seen many changes such as the introduction of ro-ro services, new vessels and in more recent years the challenges the Company faces in operating a lifeline ferry services with what has become an ageing fleet.

“I have some very fond memories stretching through the years from way back when there was a whole team of dockers on Kirkwall pier when all the cargo to the Outer North Isles was carried on deck on the ships.

“And, of course, all the funniest stories are the ones which are not for general consumption as the saying goes.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with all my colleagues through the years, both sea staff and shore-based staff in the islands and in the offices.”

Lorraine is joining the family business, Jolly’s of Orkney, working alongside her brother, George and his wife Anne.

Andrew Blake, Orkney Ferries services manager, said: “Lorraine has been a backbone of the Orkney Islands Shipping Company, Orkney Ferries Limited and latterly Orkney Ferries (a division of Orkney Islands Council Marine Services) since she started her employment as a junior clerk in 1977.

“She has held positions entitled Chief Clerkess, Clerical Officer, Administrative Officer and latterly Senior Administrative Officer. Her dedicated and efficient services over the past 42 plus years is unusual in the current climate, where a job for life is no longer the norm.

“Lorraine will be sorely missed as she embarks on new and exciting challenges in a new environment. The Board, staff and seafarers of Orkney Ferries wish Lorraine everything of the best into the future and thank her for her exceptional service.”

Chairman of Orkney Ferries, Councillor Kevin Woodbridge, added: “Having arrived in North Ronaldsay in the same year as Lorraine started with the OISC, I have long known her albeit at the end of a telephone dealing with the special issues that island has with its ferry service. Her service to the company has been exceptional both in quality and longevity, and as Chair I wish her every happiness in her new direction.”