Spotlight on ...

This issue our staff spotlight falls on Lee McPherson ...

Name: Lee McPherson

Job Title: Qualified Gardener

How long have you been with East Lothian Council? 6 years. I was seasonal staff for one year in Haddington at the Peppercraig depot, and then I got a full-time job as an Amenity Operative. This job involved general gardening, litter picking etc. But 4 years ago I applied for the qualified gardener job at Peppercraig and now here I am. I’m a Qualified Gardener in Haddington and the surrounding areas including Garvald, Humbie, Gifford, East Saltoun and Athelstaneford.

What is your background? I was a photographer for 12 years, based in London. I came up here because I married a Scottish girl, and she wanted to move back up.

I had no experience in gardening before - I’ve always liked it - but I hadn’t done anything apart from a few weekend jobs. But I really enjoyed my six months as a seasonal worker with the council team, and I then started thinking about doing it as a full-time job. Luckily, that’s exactly what happened the following year and it’s just kicked off from there.

What does your job involve? My office is Neilson Park, and I look after this area with a couple of guys. I always need to have a wash because I get covered in dust - it’s hard work to get it all looking nice. It’s a time consuming job but I thoroughly enjoy being outside, especially during this time of year, this is what it’s all about.

We also do a lot work for the In Bloom Awards and are involved behind the scenes. Neilson Park is part of the judging route and we also look after the George Hotel corner and the station bed on West Road.

What do you like about your job? It’s good to be in the community, we’re always helping members the pubic with bits and pieces. The park is a nice place to be, when people walk through Neilson Park they often give compliments; especially once the bedding starts growing. I enjoy interactions with members of the public, I’m always asked questions.

I also love working with the squad, we have fun.

I’m also at college at the moment! I’m doing a SVQ 3 in Amenity Horticulture through the council. It’s great they’ve allowed us to do that.

What big projects have you been working on? Our biggest project recently was outside the Maitlandfield Hotel where we’ve replanted the bedding there in a range of red, yellow and purple shades for the Haddington 700 celebrations.  It’ll also tie into the Beautiful Scotland Awards Ceremony which is taking place across the road at St Mary’s in September.

What’s your favourite plant this time of year? I like all of them, but I especially like the wild flowers on the roundabouts.

Alan's pride at completing apprenticeship

Many people may think that it’s far too late in life to be starting college at the age of 50, but Carpentry and Joinery apprentice Alan Smith has put a nail in that theory.

Alan had been working as a labourer for the council since 2014 but jumped at the chance to come to Edinburgh College to complete a two-year apprenticeship.

Starting in 2016, Alan has honed his trade and leaves the college as the two-time winner of the Edinburgh College Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice of the Year. He collected his second honour at this year’s Prize Giving Ceremony on Friday 8 June.

Alan was also named the 2017 winner of the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Apprentice of the Year award, after producing a portfolio of his work.

“Coming to college at the age I did was daunting. It was a challenge but I have really enjoyed it all," said Alan. "Through hard work, my determination to succeed and being able to help the young people around me, I leave the college very proud, having completed my apprenticeship.

“Winning the college Apprentice of the Year Award twice and the APSE Award is a huge honour, a great achievement and something I’m very proud of – it just goes to show you can teach an old dog new tricks.”Asked how he would summarise his Edinburgh College experience in three words, Alan said: “Daunting but enjoyable.”

Paul Grant, Service Manager for Property Maintenance, said: “While he may have started later in life than our typical craft apprentice, Alan can be rightly proud of achieving this award. He’s a valued member of our team, helping us provide a quality service to our customers”  

 

Meet the man behind council's electric cars

Alan Kelley, our Transport Compliance Officer, is responsible for the day-to-day running of the council fleet. We asked him about the growing importance of electric vehicles. 

“We use these vehicles because they have zero emissions and green benefits. Clean air is beneficial for people’s health and well-being – and we always want to do the right thing for the East Lothian environment,” says Alan.

“Not only that, the cost of running these vehicles is considerably better - the more electric vehicles we use, the more money we save as a council.

“We currently run 10 electric vehicles and are looking to extend this. It’s a priority for our team and we have a lot of joint ventures with different agencies in place.”

Golf tickets winner

Congratulations to Deborah Wright, Support Plan Broker in Community Care, who won last month's competition for two tickets to the final day of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at Gullane from 12-15th July. While not a golfer herself or a particular fan of the sport, Deborah says she attended the final day last time the event was held in Gullane and found it to be a great day out for a local.

We couldn't agree more!

So please remember to take advantage of the exclusive East Lothian Council staff discount for money off your tickets. Council employees can benefit from a £5 discount off single day tickets by using this exclusive link. Please note, the prices that appear are already discounted (e.g the price for a Sunday day tickets shows as £25, normal price would be £30).