A long-serving despatch manager from Moray has celebrated his 50th work anniversary at Walker’s Shortbread.
Brian Shand joined Walker's business just before his 17th birthday and credits his success at the company to “the values they taught me”.
“In 1975 we were delivering just a few cases to shops across Scotland from John O’Groats to Deeside and down to Gretna Green. Now 50 years later, we are sending over 1000 containers of product a year to more than 100 countries around the world from the Netherlands to New Zealand to New York.”
Born and raised in Speyside, Brian attended Elgin Academy and upon leaving school he submitted an application directly to ‘the boss’, the late Jim Walker Snr, kicking off a five-decade career with the world-famous shortbread manufacturer.
He started as a bread slicer at the old Walker’s Speyside bakery but soon moved into the despatch department, delivering bakery products and shortbread all over the North of Scotland.
“Three months into the job I moved to despatch but throughout my time at Walker’s, I was able to learn and grow. I completed several courses, attended college and even tried sales for a bit - but it wasn’t for me”, Brian said.
Over the last half-century Brian has held a number of positions at Walker’s Shortbread including storeman, export clerk, despatch chargehand and despatch manager.
As the years rolled by, Brian witnessed the company’s expansion from a regional bakery to an internationally recognised brand.
“The company has continued to grow and in 2023 we dispatched 8.6 million cases, loaded 970 containers for export and loaded 1,780 articulated trailers,” said Brian.
His personal life is also intrinsically connected to Walker’s Shortbread, which has become a family affair for Brian.
“In 1983, I met and later married my wife, Cheryl, who was a trainer in the original Walker’s factory sites. My daughter, Debbie, and son, Jason, also worked at Walker’s in their summer holidays and after school.”
“After Jason finished university, he wasn’t sure what career to pursue. On Friday nights after he finished his own work tasks, he used to come and help me to check the production programmes. So, when a position became available in my office, he jumped at the chance to apply.”
“As a family, we have given over 100 years’ service to Walker’s Shortbread. I also have extended family who have been with Walker’s for years – my cousin, Euan, is also in the despatch team and has been with the company for 37 years.”
“A massive part of my love of the job is that I have been privileged to work with a lot of great people over the years,” he said. “As a family, we are extremely grateful to Walker’s for what they have given to us.”
Nicky Walker, managing director, Walker’s Shortbread said: “Our people, and celebrating their achievements, is an intrinsic part of our company and who we are as a family business.
“Brian's dedication and loyal service is reflective of many others at Walker’s, who are also celebrating great milestones too. The generations of families and their valuable contributions have built the success of Walker’s and our ability to deliver Scotland at its finest.”
In addition to Brian, thirteen other individuals celebrated 25 years of service and six others celebrated 40 years of service at Walker’s Shortbread in 2024 year alone.
