The core team at Thistle Aberdeen Airport Hotel now has more than 260 years’ experience between them.
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Collectively, the staff at the hotel have now worked there 21 years longer than the United States of America has been in existence.
Leading the pack is executive head housekeeper Jean Ryrie, who has been a valued member of the team for 39 years.
Jean, who was recently nominated for housekeeper of the year at the Scottish Hotel Awards, said: “Working for Thistle is a fantastic experience. If it wasn’t, I would never have stayed so long.
“The staff here are like one big family, and we all get on really well. That sense of camaraderie really makes the working day fly by.
Alongside new recruits, Jean’s hard-working team includes Margaret Esson (31 years), Camilla Jones (26 years), Brenda Paterson (24 years), Emma Singer (24 years), Audrey Western (23 years) and Fiona Cruickshank (13 years).
General manager, Alison Christie, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that so many of my colleagues have chosen to stay at the Thistle Aberdeen Airport for so long. Having such experienced staff means that everything in the hotel runs smoothly – there are very few situations they haven’t come across before. We really are a well-oiled machine.”
The team’s dedication to their work is not just reserved for the housekeeping department. Food and beverage operator Christina Grant has been a member of the catering team for 34 years, working with breakfast supervisor Lesley Martin and kitchen assistant Ruby Henderson, who have been there for 30 and 29 years respectively.
Alison added: “We often see guests returning to the Thistle Aberdeen Airport every time they visit the city. They enjoy seeing the same faces when they check in – it’s like coming to a home from home.
“The continuity guests get from visit to visit means that they always know that they’ll receive top quality service, and I am delighted that we are able to provide that.”
