November 20th 1972 was an auspicious date for Estates Services Manager Conrad Binnie, who has recently retired after more than 40 years service. That was the day he started working for NHS Forth Valley as an assistant engineer at the former Royal Scottish National Hospital (RSNH) in Larbert. Stationed in an office between the boiler house, workshops and stores, he looks back fondly at what he recalls as ‘happy days’ at a time when around 3,000 patients were cared for between RSNH and Bellsdyke Hospital.
During his long service he has held a number of titles including Hospital Engineer and Engineering Maintenance Manager. He also worked in a variety of accommodation across the area – the RSNH, Bellsdyke Hospital, back to the RSNH, Central Supplies in Colquhoun Street and latterly Stirling Community Hospital.
Conrad has an apartment in Spain and, over the next six months, plans to take a series of short breaks there. He has five grandchildren, one of whom lives in London, and is hoping to see more of her. Then of course there is his big garden, which he enjoys as he likes fresh air. “Everyone says I’ll wonder how I found time for work” he quipped. “I’ll wait and see!”
