Sooty, sweep and sons
Third generation chimney-cleaner reveals business is going through the roof
If you thought sweeping Scotland’s chimneys was a dying trade, think again.
While lum cleaners might provoke memories of a bygone age they are in demand again.
Edinburgh-based firm Auld Reekie has revealed a full order book thanks to the boom in wood fire stoves and people burning logs on their fires.
Third- generation sweep Kirk McLenaghan, 47, said: “Any fears that we might one day go out of business have been swept aside by the huge drive for wood- burning stoves and fires.
“Since they became trendy our work books have been full.
“Fires went out of fashion for a while and some businesses closed but we are still at the top.
“We have cleared out chimneys choked with birds, nests ... and even a huge crab.
“It’s a mystery how it managed to climb up on the roof and down the lum as it was 10 inches wide and too big for a bird to carry.”
The dad of two has climbed to the top of the family firm, which was founded by his grandad Bill after the Second World War. Kirk began his apprenticeship aged eight when he was helped to the top of an Edinburgh tenement by his dad Mike, now 70.
His safety equipment was the sturdy rubber grip of a pair of school sandshoes and a rope.
After his grandad guided him to the edge of the roof to let him see over, Kirk was hooked – and the trio of sweeps worked together until Bill retired at 70.
Kirk said: “I can’t think of a better job. As you can imagine, I have never been scared of heights.
“Most people wouldn’t like to get their hands, faces and pretty much everything else black with soot.
“But the freedom sweeping chimneys gives you is pretty much amazing. “Every day is different. “Nothing beats the thrill of seeing the city and surrounding area from on high.
“While others are stuck behind screens in offices I see the world from the top,” he said. “Some of the views over Edinburgh and other town and cities are stunning.
“The trick is never to look down as you climb a ladder.”
Kirk is the proud dad of Rhianne, 24, and Jade, 25, but he has given up hope of persuading either of his daughters to join him on the roofs.
He smiled: “I have five grandchildren. Maybe my grandson Leo, who’s five, might.”