Margaret retires after nearly 52 years
After almost 52 years with our council, Assistant IT Analyst Margaret Ramsay is preparing to hang up her headset and retire.
As previously covered in Inform, Margaret joined the then East Lothian County Council in 1974 and has seen the introduction of IT and formation and development of our organisation as we know it today. Her adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges has helped her through these changes, explaining: “You’ve got to move with the times. Sometimes it might take time but it’s important to keep up-to-date.”
New challenges
Margaret’s next challenge is establishing a new routine – starting with more leisurely mornings! “We hope to do some travelling,” says Margaret. “I have family in Australia and Canada so we hope to go there.” She also remains active in Haddington Twinning Association and plans to continue keeping fit.
Looking back across her time with the organisation, her highlight has been the people she has worked with and helped. “Everyone who comes into IT needs help in some way or new equipment. It’s good to see people from across the council and I enjoy helping people,” she says. “I’ve really enjoyed my time with the council and wish everybody well.”
"Outstanding contribution"
Joyce Russell, Acting Service Manager - IT, paid tribute to Margaret, saying: "Margaret has made an outstanding contribution to the council throughout an exceptional 52-year career.
"Across decades of significant technological and organisational change, she has been a trusted, dedicated and highly valued member of our IT service, consistently providing fantastic support to colleagues across the organisation. Her extensive knowledge, professionalism and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on both our service and the many colleagues she has assisted over the years. While we'll all miss her, we're delighted that she can now enjoy some well-earned lie-ins, travel adventures, and time with family and friends.
"I would like to thank Margaret for her remarkable service and wish her a long, happy and thoroughly deserved retirement."
Margaret’s IT colleagues have set up an online collection for contributions and messages which will be passed on to her - visit Collection Pot.