A Scottish Water tanker driver has clocked up nearly five decades of public service in Fife.
Robert Malcolm has been in tankering operations and drainage since the mid-1970s when he became a driver’s assistant prior to getting behind the wheel himself. He even paid for his own HGV Class 1 licence so he could take to the road. When a colleague went off sick he stepped in to take over – and has been on the road ever since. He began work aged 15 with Cowdenbeath Borough Council as a gardener, later transferring when Fife Regional Council – responsible for wastewater at the time – came into existence in 1975. Initially he worked in the drainage department as a tanker drivers assistant clearing blockages from main sewers and house drains before moving on to drive tankers. Robert said: “Tankers back then were very basic, no hydraulic seats and certainly no power steering – I had to stand up in my seat to get it round corners. If it was a frosty morning, I’d have to push it or get it towed to get started. I’m just thankful that driver comfort is one of the many things that has changed over the years.”
