An employee has hung up his tools for the final time, bringing to an end almost 50 years of dedicated service with Mansell.

Dave Cruickshank, 65, joined the firm in July, 1959, and has since worked at its Aberdeen base with Hall & Tawse Joinery, part of the Mansell group, as a joiner and wood machinist.

A special lunch was held at the firm's Granite City office, Roman House, to mark Dave's retirement and also pay tribute to 10 other long-serving colleagues, who - along with Dave - have collectively clocked up over 440 years of service with Mansell.

From Mansell's Aberdeen office, Colin Kerr was recognised for having worked with the firm for 44 years as were Colin Brown and Trevor Slater, who have been with the company for 41 and 40 years respectively.

-- Advertisement --

Long service awards were also presented to Hamish Cartney, to mark him reaching 39 years service with the company, George Gibb and Jack Knowles - who have been with Mansell for 38 years - and John Watt and Kenneth Coull, who have both clocked up 37 years service with the firm. An award will also be presented to Mike Moir, who has been with the company for 39 years but was unable to attend Friday's presentation.

Ian Granger, based at the company's Elgin office, also received an award to mark him reaching 39 years of service with Mansell. Dave, who stays in Newmachar, says he is looking forward to a well-earned rest and spending more time with his wife of 41 years, Evaline.

He said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with Mansell, where I've worked with a real good bunch of guys. The company has treated me extremely well throughout my working life but I am delighted I will now be able to spend more time with my wife as well as pottering away in the garden and maintaining my interest in vintage tractors."

George Hood, Divisional Managing Director, said: "I myself have been with Mansell for 33 years, having joined the company as an apprentice surveyor, and so I personally recognise what a fantastic effort Dave's near 50 years of service is. And for all the guys to have clocked up over 400 years of service with Mansell between them is a truly remarkable achievement."

(GK/JM)