PICTURES: Surprise party Inverness to celebrate Tesco employee Sandy Mackenzie's 50 yaers with store
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Colleagues, friends and family raised their glasses to celebrate five decades of a man working in the same store recently.
A surprise party at Caledonian Thistle Social Club in Inverness celebrated the 50th anniversary of Sandy Mackenzie (65) working at Tesco in the city’s Tomnahurich Street.
Mr Mackenzie was only 15 when he started working at what was then William Low – Willie Low’s – supermarket in 1972 in the Highland Capital.
“I wasn’t expecting it really,” he said about the party, which saw more than 60 people coming together to mark the occasion.
“I feel the same as yesterday, ut things have changed so much since when I started. “
Back in 1972 he had walked in to the store and asked for a job that was advertised in the Inverness Courier, and although that role had already been filled, the manager said he could still have a job and he started the next day.
Over the years Mr Mackenzie has worked in various roles within the store, from backdoor to warehouse, deli/butcher counter and stock control.
“I really enjoyed working here because I was so young, it was a family business and it was so much fun,” he said.
In 1994,William Low was taken over by Tesco though the staff were retained under the new ownership.
Mr Mackenzie recalled: “When I started, the way that we ordered stuff was just through pen and paper but now we do everything through the (computer) system. The times change, and you have to change with the times.”
Store manager, Matthew Johnstone, said: “I first met Sandy when I first did my training as a duty manager, about 10 years ago.
“Sandy has been here for so many years, and the retail industry has changed so much – the only thing that has not changed is him being the heart and soul of the shop, making sure that the stock is coming in – that’s Sandy!
“Not many people reach that kind of accolade with the company, he has stayed with us through thick and thin and he’s just a role model. Customer service and dedication to the company, and delivery to the customer - nothing you ask him is too big. He is an inspiration, especially for young colleagues who have just started.
“He’s got so much energy, I can easily see him celebrating his 60th or 70th anniversary with the company, which is commendable to say the least.”
His colleague, Lorna Grant, added: “It’s great working with him. He is absolutely superb, he goes above and beyond for customers and his fellow colleagues, he is basically a superstar!”
