Marie Campbell began her career at the then Nairn Travel store in Alloa, Clackmannanshire, on 22 March 1976.

 

Her journey has seen her progress from a travel consultant to a branch manager – working with AT Mays and Thomas Cook, before it was acquired by Hays Travel in 2019.

 

Marie, 69, said: “I started out at Nairn Travel in 1976 and I am still here. The shop is still here and trading. That is testament to the customer service provided by colleagues.

 

“I grew up here, I live here, and the branch is part of the community.

 

“I love that every day is different. I have developed some long-term friendships and have worked with the current branch manager, Margo Nicoll, for the last 38 years.

 

“I also have a customer, who I have been looking after for 35 years, who comes in to see me every Monday morning.”

 

In 2023, Marie, then the branch manager, was due to retire.

 

But she wanted to stay on and now works three days a week as a foreign exchange consultant.

She added: “I don’t do social media, but the girls put a picture of me online about how I have been here 50 years and I was blown away by the positive posts.

 

“I think some people thought I was retiring but I just love what I am doing and I have got no plans to give it up!

 

“I love helping our younger colleagues and I always remind them we are fortunate to sell happy things – not funeral plans. Every day is a school day and there is always something to learn.”

 

With half a century of experience working in travel, Marie has seen many changes.

 

She said: “When I started out, package holidays were just starting off. People didn’t visit countries such as Germany, Poland or China, for example. Now they do.

 

“In the 1970s I holidayed in Spain and Greece but now there are so many more options. I love visiting Florida and I enjoy cruising. My next one is to Alaska which I am really looking forward to.”

 

Jane Schumm, Retail Director of Hays Travel, said: “Reaching 50 years of service in the same branch is a remarkable achievement. I congratulate and thank Marie for her unwavering commitment to her colleagues, customers and community.”