Nairn man retires after 50 years’ service with council

Eddie Grant, The Highland Council’s Principal Building Standards Surveyor in in Nairn, has retired after 50 years’ service with the Council. 

Eddie, who left School aged 15, started work with Nairn Burgh Council in 1962 as an apprentice Burgh Engineer.  One of the many important summer duties as apprentice Burgh Engineer included painting the road signs at the edges of the carriageways.

He progressed to becoming a Building Control Officer in 1975 when Local Government re-organisation established Nairn District Council.  The construction industry interested Eddie and satisfied his curiosity in following a buildings evolvement from foundations to completion. He also enjoyed the banter with the tradesmen whilst out on sites inspecting progress.

At the next re-organisation of Local Authorities in 1996 Eddie was promoted to become Principal Building Standards Surveyor.  At this time he became responsible for the management of Building Standards operations within the Nairn area.

Born, bred and schooled in Nairn, he is married to Carole and is a highly regarded and accomplished jazz musician and played semi-professionally from the age of 15.  Nowadays, he plays simply for the love of the music.

Colleagues joined Eddie last week to celebrate his retirement. Building Control Manager Glenn Campbell said:  “Eddie has served each Council diligently and conscientiously and has proven himself to be a very highly prized and consistent member of our Building Standards team.  He is often referred to as ‘Steady Eddie’ because no matter the scenario Eddie will offer an unbiased and fair view on interpretation of the guidance behind the building regulations and is relied on, by the team, to provide sound advice and guidance.

“Eddie has worked his entire working life in Nairn and at the age of 65 retires from Highland Council having given 50 years loyal service to the Council, but more importantly to Eddie, the people of Nairn.  He is staunchly proud of his roots, his town and the people of Nairn. We all wish him well in his retirement.”