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The happiest days of my working life were spent with Lothian Regional Council's Social Work Department from 1990 for an all too short period until 1992. I worked in client finance and was involved in issuing accounts to social work clients who were in residential care and those who received the home care service.
I worked at Shrubhill House in Edinburgh's Leith Walk. Not the most attractive building ever erected in the capital but it was home to a great working environment in a different era.
I first met my good friend Rob Muir there. A couple of years ago Rob began a new life in Norway where he has become a father again. I have fond memories of old Shrubbers - that's why when I passed the building today to see it's been reduced to a shell I felt more than a pang of sadness. As the accompanying photo illustrates is this really progress?
It reminded me of the story of a mate I knew who was invited to a fancy dress party. Struggling for ideas he decided to go to the party dressed as normal but carrying his latest girlfriend on his back.
'Here' he was greeted on his arrival, 'did you not know this was a fancy dress do?'
'Aye' he replied.
'So what have you come as?'
'A tortoise' he replied.
'Eh? Who's that on your back?'
'Ah' he retorted, 'that's Michelle....'
