Published: Thursday, 8th May, 2008 09:00
The end of an era
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AN era in East Lothian local government administration has come to an end with the retirement of director’s personal assistant Cathie Torrie (pictured left), after almost half a century in council service.
Ms Torrie, 65, of Haddington, is one of the longest-serving local authority employees in Scotland, having first joined the then Haddington County Council in 1960.
Over a period spanning five decades she has been the personal assistant to five departmental heads and has witnessed two major reorganisations in Scottish local government, in 1974 and 1995.
Latterly, she has been personal assistant to the council’s director of education and children’s services.
She is one of four council employees who have been honoured for giving 40 years of service or more to local government in the county.
East Lothian chief executive and former departmental boss, Alan Blackie is pictured alongside Ms Torrie, wishing her well.
Mr Blackie presented Ms Torrie with a digital camera, John Lewis vouchers and flowers at a packed ceremony to mark her retiral.
Colleagues also presented her with individual gifts.
Said Mr Blackie: “I am very sorry to see Cathie go, although I know she deserves a long and happy retirement.
“She has worked with five directors, including me, and I don’t know what any of us would have done without her.
“I hope that she knows how much we all appreciated her work and that we wish her all the very best for the future.”
Ms Torrie said modestly: “I have really enjoyed my time working for council.
“It has been a very fulfilling and rewarding career and I will certainly miss all my many friends at the council.”
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