Stirling Observer

20 years of dedication

- KAIYA MARJORIBAN­KS

Two members of staff at Stirling’s Thistles have celebrated 20 years’ service with the shopping centre.

Allan Main, a CCTV controller who lives in Stirling, and Willie Neilson, a resource operative from Raploch, both joined Thistles in January 1999.

Initially starting in a security capacity, Allan was then offered a controller’s position, based in the centre’s control room. During his time he has been a training officer and a team leader and enjoys the variety of tasks each working day presents.

He said: “The work I do is both challengin­g and rewarding with no two days the same. I have great memories from having worked with so many people, and from so many different walks of life, over the years.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes and improvemen­ts too, the biggest being in health and safety and customer service. Since I started in 1999, Thistles has become a safer and friendlier place to visit and work in and I’m proud to have played a part in this success.”

Willie will be a familiar face to regular Thistles shoppers. The janitor/resource operative can often be seen out and about in the centre with his colleagues keeping the thoroughfa­res clean and tidy.

The 20-year landmark has been a time of reflection for Willie who says, “It has been great to see so many developmen­ts in Thistles over the last two decades. I still have distinct memories of having to pile cardboard in a storage container before heavy machinery was in use. It was quite a task. My favourite change has been seeing the progress over the years with The Bastion. It is a real asset to the centre and to Stirling.”

Both men plan to celebrate their work anniversar­y with a nice meal and a few welldeserv­ed drinks with friends.

Centre director Gary Turnbull said: “Allan and Willie have been instrument­al in the developmen­t and success of Thistles over the last 20 years. They are hugely popular with colleagues and customers alike and we wish them both a big collective congratula­tions for their landmark service.”

 ??  ?? Long service awards CCTV controller Allan Main and resource operative Willie Nielson
Long service awards CCTV controller Allan Main and resource operative Willie Nielson

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