Thought for the Week

IT WAS a perfect summer evening as we looked across the Sound of Gigha and watched the ferry glide over a sun-sparkled sea.

We were sitting on the deck of one of our favourite eating places at Big Jessie’s

Not only is the food wonderful, but the welcome and chat is a huge part of the attraction.

Our host and hostess always have time for a friendly word even when they are rushed off their feet.

This evening was very busy indeed, but the welcome was still on the menu. We had a lovely meal in a perfect setting. Later, when things quietened down a bit, I asked how they managed at such busy times and if they couldn’t get more help.

I was greatly touched and impressed by the answer I was given.

Evidently the philosophy at Big Jessie’s is all about loyalty.

I was told that, while they could take on extra staff at the busy times, they wanted to wait for school and college terms to finish so that the young people who have been loyal to them can return to a secure job for the summer.

It was worth a time of hectic busyness to know that they would welcome back the young people who served them, and their customers so well.

In this world of big business and self interest I was struck by the honesty and goodness of such an approach.

What a great example to our young people to repay their loyalty with even more loyalty and set a gold standard of good faith.

In a world where often it is the biggest and strongest who get to the top regardless of who gets hurt in the way, it is good to see such a different outlook.

I am looking forward to a summer with our young people even more now.