When Walter Elmslie started working at 15 as a salesman in a clothes store, little did he realise his career would end up walking on the streets he formerly worked in.
His training on the shop floor and then onto a career mainly in sales was invaluable when he started working as a city warden in Aberdeen as the job is primarily about interacting with people.
Walter explained that from his first job at the former Robert Rae store, he learned he was good with customers and this has stood him in good stead throughout his life.
“I’ve always worked in sales – latterly at Dick Fleming Communications and before then Clark Commercials – and loved that interaction with customers,” he said.
“So, just before going on holiday to Australia with my wife to see our son, my wife spotted a job advert in the P&J for Aberdeen City Council City Wardens.
“I applied as a lot of the job is about how you get on with people, and since that was my background in all the places I’ve worked, I thought it would be a good chance to do something meaningful for the community with that experience.
“The job is different to what I was used to before as I’d always worked indoors, either at a desk or selling to customers but now I’m out and about, meeting people in the community and helping them. “
Walter, 59, said many people think have pre-conceived ideas about what the job involves, thinking all they do is act as traffic wardens.
“It’s actually a very interesting job and very varied,” he said.
“Part of the job is traffic duties, where we help keep roads are kept clear, ensuring vehicles and of course emergency services can easily navigate through the city. We also have an environmental role and this can include passing on to environmental health colleagues where rubbish has been dumped so it can be cleared up quickly.
“A strong part of the role is helping people and one of the more unusual ways I’ve done this is by throwing sticks to get a Frisbee down from a tree for a small boy when his mum couldn’t reach it – the poor wee chap was quite upset so it was nice to make him smile again.
“We have a strong role in the communities we serve, looking out to help people and being a visible presence in areas. People frequently tell us information such as where anti-social behaviour is happening to pass on to other authorities as they know and trust the City Wardens.”
The city wardens help to deter antisocial behaviour, littering and illegal parking in the city. They also help to reassure the public on community safety issues and also work closely with the emergency services and all community groups. All new recruits are given a comprehensive four-day induction course in their core duties, and additional training is given throughout the year.
For Walter, one of the highlights of his training was when bicycles were introduced.
He said: “They are a fantastic way for us to get about the city quickly and make a nice change from walking. I really enjoy being outdoors most of the time now and I would hate to be stuck behind a desk, especially when summer is on its way.
“The best parts about the job are the people you meet, and the people you work with. My background is in sales, and my colleagues are from as varied jobs as you could get including a former painter and decorator, a former slater, and one who used to teach English as a foreign language abroad.
“We are ambassadors for the city so when you can help someone out, whether they’re a tourist looking for directions or a local resident pointing out where someone has dumped some rubbish, it feels good that you’re part of the community of the city and have made a difference.”