Young people at the heart of the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel in Inverness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Meet Aimee Dawson and Aiden Thorpe – two of the young people at the heart of the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel. Not only does the luxury hotel focus on serving decadent food, top-of-the-range rooms, and memorable events but it is also passionate about investing in its young people.
Having been friends before working at the Drumossie Hotel, Aimee decided to get Aiden involved, as she loves working there so much!
We had the chance to sit and chat with them both about what it’s like to be a young person working at the Drumossie:
How long have you been working at the hotel?
Aimee: I started here in July 2021, when I was 17 and still at school. It was just a wee part-time job, but I have since gone full-time and I absolutely love it!
Aiden: Aimee told me about a job going, and I left school in fifth year to come and work here – it is such an incredible place to work, and I have learned so much! I was just 16 and came in September 2021.”
Why do you enjoy working at the Drumossie?
Aiden: Everyone here is so lovely and nice. It is work but it doesn’t feel like work at all – it really is a special place and everyone just gets on!
Aimee: It is genuinely just a fun job, and it is such a great atmosphere. I love all the variety in the role, and that no two days are the same. We can be doing events, to restaurant to bar, to breakfast
and coffees.
Have you learned on the job or received training?
Aidan: I have recently just started my apprenticeship here, so I get to earn money while earning a qualification which is great. I get support and guidance from the experienced team here, throughout it all. I left school with no qualifications, so I am now learning through the University of the Highlands and Islands and the Drumossie. I am really enjoying it so far and will have it completed by September 2024.
Aimee: For me it has been a lot of hands-on learning, and we all learn from others and get partnered with someone higher up, so it is like a mentorship system. If you ever need a hand or help with anything, the other staff are really friendly and will help with anything you need.
What do you enjoy doing most at the Drumossie?
Aimee: My favourite thing is events! I turned 18 last year so I gradually started working on the bars, starting off in the lounge and smaller functions – now I do events for more than 300 people.
With the events there are so many different people here, and it is busy. It’s also quite funny when people get a wee drink in them, so the customers are a great laugh!
I also like that there is such a buzz at events, as all the staff are in who you don’t normally get to see every day. It’s such a good teamworking experience which is really enjoyable.
Aidan: I really enjoy doing breakfasts! I like waking up early, which is funny as when I was at school I hated it.
I like that you are the first person guests see when they wake up, and you get the chance to speak with them about their day ahead. We had a guest here for two weeks, and I just really enjoyed being able to ask her about her day and speak to her every morning.
I like doing lunch too as you are resetting the room for dinner, but at the same time doing lunches and afternoon teas, so it is such a varied shift.
Has working at the Drumossie changed your view of hospitality as a career?
Aiden: Definitely! Before I worked here I thought you could either have it as part-time job or be a manager. Now I know that there are so many opportunities, different departments and there are so many stages you can be at!
That’s why I am really excited about doing the apprenticeship and furthering my skills in the hospitality sector.
Aimee: Yes – the role has taught me so many transferable skills! I am hoping to join the police at some point, but I want to be here for another few years. It has helped me so much, and I know that there will always be a job here for me if I wanted it! There are definitely so many opportunities in hospitality for a successful career.
What has been the biggest thing you have learned while you have been at the Drumossie?
Aimee: Since leaving school and working here my confidence has grown so much – I was shy but you get to meet so many people here, which has given me such a boost.
It has also taught me how to multi-task and provided me with so many different skills that I can use for the rest of my life.
Aidan: I think for me, it is finding out that I enjoy having a job that has variety and that I really like working with people! I just never thought I would have a job that would be fun – but finding out that work can be fun has been a revelation!
What would you say to other young people about working at the Drumossie?
Aimee: Come to the Drumossie and stick with it! It can maybe be a bit daunting at first but it’s such a great place to work. I try to encourage all my friends to come and work here!
Aidan: Apply now! It is such an amazing place to work, and you get to learn so much. The staff and the customers are brilliant, and it has taught me a lot about myself and what I want to do in life! You may come for part-time job but you won’t want to leave!
