57 Years of Dedication: The Inspiring Story of a Beloved Aberdeenshire Baker's Retirement

A Remarkable Career Comes to a Close

A beloved Aberdeenshire woman has retired after an incredible 57-year career at Hatton Bakery, marking the end of an era for the local business and community.

Chrissie (second from left) with owners Paul and Katrina, and bakery worker Lorraine (Image: Supplied)

From Teenage Start to Industry Veteran

Chrissie joined the bakery at just 16 years old, beginning her journey decorating birthday cakes and working in confectionery. Over the decades, she mastered a wide range of roles across the bakery—from biscuit production to packaging—becoming an indispensable part of operations.

Witnessing Three Ownership Eras

Her tenure spanned three different ownership periods: starting with Simmers, continuing through McVitie's, and most recently with Murdoch Allan. This remarkable longevity made her a living archive of the bakery's history and evolution.

The Heart of the Bakery

Chrissie became known for her deep knowledge of the business and her commitment to supporting and training generations of staff. Murdoch Allan joint owner Katrina Allan shared: "Chrissie has been part of this bakery for as long as I can remember. She's seen it through so many changes and has always been someone everyone can rely on."

A Mentor and Friend

"She's helped train so many of our team and passes on her knowledge so naturally," Katrina continued. "I started working with Chrissie when I was 16, and over the years she's become more than a colleague—she's like a work mum to me. She tells it how it is, keeps us all grounded, and has been a true friend."

Looking Ahead to Retirement

After decades of early 3:45am starts, Chrissie is now looking forward to a well-earned rest. She plans to swap those early mornings for lie-ins and more time to enjoy bingo. Everyone at Murdoch Allan has thanked her for her dedication and hard work, wishing her a happy and relaxing retirement.

This story highlights the value of long-term commitment, workplace loyalty, and intergenerational knowledge transfer in traditional industries—lessons that resonate across all sectors of employment.