Honouring half a century of Service

Last month, six colleagues were celebrated for their incredible long service to the council. The Lord Provost and Chief Executive hosted a special tea to mark the individuals' long-standing dedication to the council and public service. Clocking up a staggering 303 years between them during their careers, each received a beautifully crafted commemorative plate, created by Make It Glasgow (MIG) Community Interest Company. 

Left to Right in Photo: (back) Linda Burr, Elizabeth MacLaren, Colin Johnston, Stewart Curran, (front) Lord Provost, Anne Houston, Ellen MacDonald, Susanne Millar Chief Executive.

The plate, commissioned as part of the city's 850th anniversary, features symbols representing Glasgow's rich ceramic history and heritage. It is layered with meaning, symbols and images representing Glasgow's past and present, including iconic buildings, Mackintosh rose, River Clyde, Barrowlands Stars and the Duke of Wellington's cone.

Stewart Curren, a dedicated Technical Officer in NRS, Property and Consultancy Services, has been with the council since November 1974. Reflecting on his journey, Stewart shares: "When I first joined the council, I started as a Civil Engineering Technician. Over the years, I had the opportunity to switch to the Structural Engineering Section and further my education, which led to numerous career advancements. It's been incredibly fulfilling to contribute to the development of Glasgow, from leisure centres and swimming pools to nurseries and care homes. Being part of the city's constant improvement has been a source of great satisfaction for me."

Stewart continues: "The biggest changes I've seen over the last 50 years include the transition to paper-free offices with computers at every workstation and the introduction of advanced design software. These innovations have greatly increased our efficiency. I've been fortunate to work with excellent colleagues who value sharing knowledge and expertise. It's been a wonderful experience to see how our roles have evolved and how we've adapted to new technologies and methods."