A truly high-flying banker

The public image of a banker was once of a pillar of the community, a sensible type who would stop you getting too deep into debt and generally offer friendly, dependable financial advice.

The 2008 financial crash – caused largely by bankers playing fast and loose with everyone else’s money – put paid to that.

However, Anne Rendall – the “Flying Banker of Orkney” for 30 years – seems like the sort of person to remind us that not all of those working in the financial sector are deserving of the public’s wrath.

She has clocked up an impressive 11,000 flights over the years while island-hopping from her Kirkwall base to the likes of Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay and Westray to provide a face-to-face service for her Royal Bank of Scotland customers.

Loganair pilot Colin Mcallister described Rendall as “definitely one of our most loyal customers”, saying she seemed like she was “part of the team”.

In our internet age, which risks increasing social isolation, such affection is a reminder of the importance of human interaction.