14 May Retirement Spotlight – James Birnie

Gray & Adams said goodbye to long-serving employee James Birnie this year. James, who was based at Fraserburgh worked for Gray & Adams for 17 years. We caught up with James just after his retirement to find out more about what he will miss about working for the company and what he is looking forward to as he enters this new chapter.

What was your role at Gray & Adams and what were your day-to-day responsibilities?

I was the Manager of the Repair Department. My day-to-day responsibilities were to manage the repairs and to ensure they were completed to Gray & Adams standards and on time.

What did you do before you came to Gray & Adams and why did you want to work for the company?

I came from a kitchen and bedroom fitter background, working with the same firm for 25 years, until the owner of the business retired. I had been working for a few of the Gray & Adams Directors at the time and they offered me, and I accepted as I thought the change would be a challenge.

What was your biggest achievement working for Gray & Adams?

My biggest achievement was being involved in research and development projects because it was always something different.

If you could do someone else’s job at Gray & Adams what would it be and why?

If I had to do any other job in Gray & Adams it would be any job in the Repair Department because no two days are the same and every day is a challenge.

What was the best thing about working for Gray & Adams?

The best thing was working as a team with a great bunch of guys, past and present, who all had their own special expertise. Also, Gray & Adams as a company were very good
and supported me during periods off work due to ill health.

James and Peter Gray would like to thank James for his commitment to the company and wish him all the best in his retirement going forward.