Working at Christmas - Mickey and Barney's Story - Council Garage

While many of us are enjoying a few days off during the festive season, spare a thought for those who will be on duty during the 12 days of Christmas, helping make this time special for others on their own, taking care of the vulnerable and ensuring our roads are safe to travel on, to name but a few.

From all aspects of caring, whether that be residential, home or social care to the pier masters, tugs crews and ferry workers to the on-call highway officers, roads operatives and garage mechanics, they all play a vital role in making sure the Council’s services continue over the festive period.

Mickey Gray has not only returned to his Orkney roots but also slotted back into a job as a garage mechanic with the Council after his recent successful application.

He first worked with OIC at the Hatston depot in 2007-2008 before making a new life for himself in the Philippines for the next ten years where he married a local woman and together, they have a daughter. After spending many years working offshore, Mickey felt it was time to get his feet back on dry land and spend more time with his family.

A move back to the Council was the ideal opportunity to give him job stability and security, particularly as they have embarked on the “five-year route” for permanent residency for his wife.

Although Mickey is on call over some of the festivities, he doesn’t mind and says it’s just part and parcel of the job.

“We are on 24-hour call when on standby but if nothing breaks down, then you aren’t out at all. You do get extra for being on standby and if you are called out as well so that makes it worth it.”

There’s a team of 9 at the garage covering all aspects – including four mechanics who will split the on-call duty over the festive period. At present they are one mechanic short. They usually work Monday to Thursday 8am-4pm and Fridays 8am-3.30pm with one week in every four on standby. That will increase to one in every five if they can recruit.

All vehicles get a six-weekly inspection – a mini MOT – but there are still times when there are flat batteries, engine lights and breakdowns to deal with.

When they are needed, the call comes through and the mechanics are tasked to attend wherever that may be on the Mainland. Mickey says more often than not they can fix the problem on site, but occasionally a tow is required back to the garage for closer inspection.

“The weather isn’t always the best for that but it’s Orkney and there’s not a lot you can do about that!”

There’s lots of perks to the job too, he says: “You have the job security with the Council and with us going through the permanent residency at the moment that is one of the main things we need. The working conditions are good too – the garage is warm and you have the tools and equipment you need. Having the stores connected to the garage and all the sundries there on the premises is really helpful too. There’s the other benefits too, like the pension scheme and entitlements.”

Mickey also praised the fleet manager, Eddie Barclay, for his “approachable and easy to get on with” ethos which reflected on the entire team.

“It’s a good place to work. The public perception may be a bit different to what it is actually like but once you have an insight into why things actually happen in a certain way you understand. For example, I’m sure some folk think we shouldn’t be buying new vehicles but the difference that makes to our time and turnaround is huge. The older they are, the more money is spent on repairs and the longer time it takes with them off the road and the onward inconvenience to the public.”

Barney Oliver relocated to Orkney from Brierley Hill, a town near Dudley in the West Midlands just six months ago after spotting a job advert for a garage mechanic with Orkney Islands Council.

Barney knew of the islands although had never visited so he was taking a fairly big leap into the unknown – thankfully it has paid off.

The Council is delighted to welcome Barney to the team – and also his wife Rachel who is now also employed by OIC in children’s services – and is very grateful for his standby services over Christmas week.

A mechanic to trade, Barney was keen for a change and spotted the job advert with OIC.

“I wanted to work with trucks again and the job advert sounded interesting, so I applied. I’ve been in the post based up at the depot at Hatston for six months now and really enjoying it. I’m working on a variety of different vehicles; the guys that I work with are good and work well as a team – it’s a nice atmosphere to walk into.

“The Council invests in the tools and vehicles which makes the life of a mechanic much easier – the repairs are less and when work does need to be done, the turnaround time is much quicker meaning you can move on to the next job. So far, I have been dealing with mostly flat batteries, or engine lights that need checked out – nothing too challenging to date so it’s been a good season so far. I really enjoy finding an electrical fault – you get a real buzz from the repair works especially if it’s been an elusive fault!”

As to being on standby for a week starting Christmas Eve, Barney says: “It’s just part of the job. I’ve worked many Christmases in the past. I don’t mind. It does mean you can be called out at any time and you must be ready for that, but I can relax the week after!”

He would certainly encourage others to come on board with the team.

“We are still looking for another garage mechanic at the moment. Yes, the basic wage may not be as high as some others but there are many benefits to working for the Council – the stability and security offered, the basic wage can be boosted by overtime and standby, the pension and other sickness and holiday entitlements, plus it’s a really good team to be part of.”

Barney and Rachel have settled into life in Orkney and despite initial housing challenges have found a rental property in Kirkwall to allow them to consider their buying options.

“I like it here, there’s plenty of fresh air and beautiful views.”