Forty years with the same firm
Linda Murphy is getting on her bike after 40 years working with the same firm.
But it is a new electric bike given to the popular lady by workmates.
Superfit Linda will be 70 on her next birthday.
The Dalmellington woman started work at Ayrshire Precision Engineering when the factory was built in 1979.
In those days the Coylton business was engineering parts for the mining and aircraft industries, using conventional lathes.
Now it uses computerised machines to make parts for the oil industry.
During her time with the firm Linda had been financial director, company secretary, health and safety manager and a first aider.
She said: “The boys are like family to me. I’m like their mother.
“It’s been a great company to work for and I wish it every success in the years to come.”
Linda’s workmates thought a new bike would be perfect for her as her old one was getting on a bit.
She said: “I used it at lunch times to go for a 15- minute run for fresh air and fitness.
“Now with the electric one I can switch to battery power if there’s a steep hill to climb.”
Linda’s cycling has certainly kept her fit. She never had a single doctor’s line in 40 years.
She said: “I am extremely lucky to have good health, although approaching – but not quite - 70 years young.
Linda is well known in Dalmellington through her 25 years as a youth leader.
And she taught swimming and life- saving to hundreds of youngsters.
The big- hearted woman also takes frail old folk to church and on outings.
Husband Peter is a retired forestry worker and the couple have a son, also Peter, a granddaughter Niamh, 16, and a grandson Ruairi, 12.