Edinburgh twins celebrate 40 years of working as groundskeepers at Fettes College

George and Kevin McNab began working at Fettes College, Edinburgh, in 1985, both aged 16 at the time - following in the footsteps of their father, George Sr.

After leaving school, George Sr. a maintenance joiner at the college, told the pair about three jobs available on the groundskeeping team - and after two successful applications, the McNab twins started their new job on January 7, 1985.

The pair say they "never expected" to stay in the career forever, but Kevin, who is now head of grounds, and George, now deputy head of grounds, say they are both content - and are thrilled to celebrate the "momentous milestone".

"Our father worked here as a maintenance joiner for 29 years, and through him, we learned of some grounds positions coming up," said Kevin. "This was my first job straight from school.

“We left early in the October and started on Monday, January 7, 1985. Not many young people know what they want to do when they leave school - we were the same."

Head of grounds team, Kevin McNab (right) and twin brother George McNab, deputy head of grounds, who both celebrate 40 years of working at Fettes College, Edinburgh. | Katielee Arrowsmith / SWNS

George added: "We applied for one each and both got them. I had a Sunday newspaper round, but apart from that, this was my first job.

"I never imagined staying this long - but if you are content in your job, time flies by very quickly."

The brothers say they have always had a strong bond, and that working together has made them an even stronger team - and despite having "minor disagreements" over the years, they say they are always on the same page.

The pair have experienced a lot over their 40 years at Fettes, including promotions, technology advancements, and lifelong friendships - with George even meeting his wife through his role.

"Obviously twins have a remarkable bond from birth but working together has certainly cemented our friendship and bond," George said. "We are usually on the same page but occasionally have fallen out over trivial things.

"We work very well together and can rely on each other and the other guys to get the job done. I look back to my first day, when I was marking the rugby pitch with a dry line marker. It was a damp wet day and the marker kept clogging up.

"Now, 40 years later, we have a robot marker - named Lionel Pitchie - which is an absolute game changer. It makes marking pitches so much quicker and easier.

"We have an excellent grounds team here at Fettes. It's a bonus when you can call your work colleagues friends. My most memorable moment has to be meeting Heather, my wife of 32 years, at the dining hall skip.

"She was with her pal who was meeting another groundsman at the time. We eventually got married in Fettes Chapel in 1992."

Kevin added: "A milestone for me was taking over as head of grounds - and Fettes having the belief in me. It's a huge responsibility. One of the best things about the job is working with George. We have a laugh, we are close but do have disagreements occasionally - usually silly little things.

“He knows the job and what is required. He has a can-do attitude. He is my right hand."

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After 40 years on the job, Kevin and George still love their career - and hope to remain at Fettes College for at least one more decade. Kevin said: "It has been great working outside in the fresh air. Some days are like a workout; it keeps you fit.

"We never thought we would still be here after 40 years, but here we are celebrating this momentous milestone.”

George said: "I have been here 40 years, and with good health, I should have another 10 years left. I think that would make me the longest serving member of staff - I might even still be playing staff Friday football. I hope to see our grounds kept to the high standard they are now. Over the years we have been praised regularly for the condition of our grounds, playing fields and cricket squares from staff, pupils and visitors alike.

"Fettes College is an amazing place to work. People are friendly and you will never be alone. Fettes grounds are like an Oasis in the city. You can be walking along the Green Walk on a sunny day in the peace and tranquility and imagine being anywhere in the world, with the sun breaking through and the birds singing in the trees.

"Our time and experience at Fettes has shaped us into the people we are today. The many friendships and camaraderie shared over many years has been amazing.

"We are thankful to everyone past and present who has made our time here a positive one. And to new staff - enjoy your time here. If you like it, stay a while."

Estates maintenance manager, Joss Kay said: "I have had the pleasure of working alongside Kevin and George for 19 years now. Our 100 acre estate, pitches and paths are kept in excellent order thanks to them and their colleagues. They are two respected members of the Operations Team who are always willing to go the extra mile in all that they do for the Fettes community."