Monday, February 17, 2025
Monday, February 17, 2025
HomePeopleInterviewsMAGNIFICENT SEVEN

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

SCOTLAND’S HOTELS ARE KEPT IN ORDER BY GREAT HOUSEKEEPERS. THIS MONTH WE FEATURE SEVEN… AND THE FIRST ONE IS HEATHER ROTHERY… brought to you by Fishers.

HEATHER ROTHERY
Head Housekeeper, Rufflets, St Andrews
Age: 51
Number of staff: 7-10
Number of rooms: 23 – 3 self catering lodges
How long have you been a Housekeeper and how did you get into it?
I have been a housekeeper for 30 years. I did BETC National Diploma as a teenager and enjoyed the housekeeping part of the course the most. When we moved to Scotland in 1988, after my dad was posted to Leuchars, I worked as a room attendent at the Old Course Hotel in the summer… and then decided not to go back to college. Instead I applied for and got a job at Rufflets and I’ve now been here 29 years!
What would you do in a typical day?
I’m still very much hands-on so, although I supervise, I’ll also be helping to clean or I’ll perhaps be in our in-house laundry ironing. Either that, or I’ll be doing paperwork.
What labour saving device or product could you not live without?
Probably my Rotary Iron – because we like the fact we can do our own linen. If it fell apart I would be really upset.
What would you say was your biggest challenge or hardest part of the job?
Recruitment, probably like everyone else. We are outside town, and no longer have buses that pass the hotel. It is an issue.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Being able to leave the room looking immaculate and getting feedback from customers when they have enoyed their stay. Being a small hotel we do get to talk to the customers which I do enjoy.
Any tips for aspiring housekeepers?
Pay attention to the details and get routines set down. Things like that help. I am also on the committee of the UK Housekeepers Association and I find that very helpful. There is always someone I can call if I have a problem and we meet bi-monthly. http://www.rufflets.co.uk

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