It was the end of an era for a popular Tarves woman last Friday.
Nancy Allan served her last customer after 30 years working in the village shop. Colleagues past and present and villagers were at the Spar store on her final day. She was presented with gifts and a bouquet from staff before bidding them farewell.
Nancy, 68, said she would miss her job and all the customers, but would find plenty to occupy her time in retirement. She added: “I know all the locals and helped them and everyone who came into the shop. “It’s been great. I’ve loved working here but it is time for me to leave.”
Nancy started in the post office of Adam Duthie and Co in the village square in 1984 after working as a barmaid in the local Globe pub and before that in the Aberdeen Arms Hotel. She worked in the store’s post office for 16 years before moving through to the shop.
Supervisor Wendy Anderson said her colleague would be sorely missed by staff and customers. She added: “She’s been great to work with, full of fun and always had stories. She’s got her routine and has always been a hard worker – a great colleague. “She knows all the customers and what they like. Sometimes Nancy’s maybe the only one they will speak to all day.”
Nancy’s husband Bob, 69, also helped out in the shop doing odd jobs and snow clearing. The couple will have plenty to occupy their time -they are in the midst of moving house.