It is a fond farewell to Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS) for Elizabeth Sykes, who is retiring after 16 years with the organisation.
Not only has she worked as Manager of the service’s Stranraer Bureau since 2008, but she also found her partner there too.
From the Foreign Office, including spells in Oslo and in the Cayman Islands and as a mature student in Edinburgh, studying Linguistics and Scottish Ethnology, Elizabeth joined Citizens Advice Scotland as Head of Information.
Originally from Newton Stewart, she transferred to D&G CAS, so she could return to her native Galloway.
She said: “I have really enjoyed working at D&G CAS, the job is very varied, no two days are the same and you never know just what will come through the door at any time. I also found my partner Norrie here, who works as a volunteer in Stranraer.”
Elizabeth is looking forward to having more time to pursue her interests, such as writing about social history and spending more time with her family.
“We have a talented team of people in the Stranraer Bureau, and we could not do what we do without our volunteers, who give up their time for such worthwhile work. I will really miss my colleagues and I hope D&G CAS will continue to evolve as they have always done. We are often the last resort for many people, and they need the service to adapt and survive in an ever-changing world.”
Phil Stewart, CEO of D&G CAS passed on his best wishes to Elizabeth, saying: “We are sorry to see Elizabeth go. We will miss her experience, her intellect and her steady leadership and management style. All these qualities and attributes have not only ensured the success of the Stranraer bureau but has made a significant contribution to the Service across the entire region. Everyone at D&G CAS wishes her well.”
Picture: Elizabeth Sykes and her partner Norrie McIntosh outside Burns House, home of the Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service Stranraer Bureau.