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Author Archives: Anne Walker

Shay – realising a dream of Stonemasonry

Since 2019, Shay had been interested in stonemasonry and when his sister saw an advert for AB Masonry he took the opportunity to apply. Andrew Beattie, who started the company in 2014, heard about the support that Barnardo’s Works Highland could offer through SACO (Scottish Academy for Construction Opportunities) and got in touch.

Through Barnardo’s, Andrew as an employer could get the support in ensuring that Shay had the employability skills to sustain employment. For Shay, he received support with skills, knowledge of the workplace as well as “scheduling and holding onto my money”.

When asking Shay what he enjoys about his job he said. “Everything. I enjoy working outdoors, everyone I work with is great and Andy is the best boss I’ve ever had”. Since starting Shay has perfected his pointing and has learned how to do blockwork. He hopes to stay at AB Masonry for as long as he can and work towards being a fully qualified stonemason.

On working with Barnardo’s Works, Shay says

“Anyone who gets this opportunity should take it!”