The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Award goes to Mark for help to deaf
The signs are right for a Fife butcher’s employee who has lifted a national award for his determination to learn sign language.
Mark Boyd, 54, who is a counter assistant at Bryan Beveridge Quality Butchers in Dunfermline was spurred on to master sign language after he witnessed deaf and hard-of-hearing customers struggling to communicate.
As a result of receiving the accolade from the Scottish Craft Butchers, the shop has now been placed at the forefront for the deaf community as the only butcher in Scotland offering the service.
British Sign Language (BSL) tutor Maria Gilmour nominated her student Mark for the Extra Mile Award, detailing that he had gone “above and beyond” in his determination to make life easier and more inclusive for those with communication difficulties.
Covid-19 interrupted Mark’s studies back in 2020, but Maria explained that he was determined to complete the course no matter how long it took.
“Mark is very keen to enhance and improve deaf community perception through his work and his other colleagues, and by working with them to make them aware that local butchers are there to help them,” Maria said.
On receiving the recognition, Mark said: “I never expected to be rewarded or recognised.
“I didn’t do this for me – I did it for all those who struggle to communicate in the retail space and who have a right to be treated equally.
“I watched people point to things on their mobile phone or scribble notes on little pieces of paper and pass them over and realised that we could do more.”
With the support of his managers and fellow colleagues, Mark selffunded his course and studied in his own time to receive the accreditation.
“Breaking down the barriers for a silent, sometimes forgotten, minority in our local communities means they no longer have to rely on phone texts or handwritten notes,” Mark continued.
“It’s a joy and a privilege to be able to support those with communication difficulties.
“I’m so proud to have achieved my BSL Level 1.
“I’m still learning. I sometimes get it wrong, but the customers are grateful that an effort is being made so we help each other through the sign language conversation.”