New local Citizens Advice Bureau manager Lynda MacLean discusses her work and life at home on North Uist
Abigail Taylor
Having been born on the islands, growing up and now living in Claddach Baleshare, Lynda MacLean was recently been appointed Operations Manager for the Citizens Advice Bureau in the Western Isles.
Lynda, 31, has been serving the local community for more than five years working with CAB. Her work stretches across the Outer Hebrides and is the “job of a lifetime” says Lynda.
“I noticed that this job came up, took it on and was offered the position. It’s so rewarding to be helping so many people in the community.”
Like so many, Lynda’s day-to-day work life changed when the pandemic hit. New problems were emerging for people. With bigger hoops for her team to jump through in order to provide the guidance and advice the community needed, adaptation was key.
“No day is the same. You’ve no idea what’s going to come through the door in a day. Obviously things have changed now due to the pandemic, people can’t just come into the offices to get help or advice. But we’re there on the phones or email and even Zoom. We’re adapting and making it work.”
Lynda explained the importance of her role in the community: “We are a worthwhile service. People have come back and told us that we have helped their lives. I don’t know what some people would do without this service. So many people fall through the cracks and we’re there to prevent that as much as possible.”
What is important to Lynda is her job and community, her family and where she comes from. Her responsibilities lie with her son Angus, 7, stepping in as teacher as well as mum for most of this past year.
“Lockdown hasn’t hit us too badly,” reflected Lynda. “I’ve been able to spend it with Angus and we homeschool and work from home. It’s been a bit difficult but we got over it. He loves being at home with his Papa too, helping him outside and in the garden. It’s been a nice time. My husband, Tommy, and my mum are posties and they’ve not stopped working, so a lot didn’t have to change for us.”
Her home is situated just a stone’s throw away from where she grew up with her mum, Tina, and dad, Angus. Lynda and Tommy live in a new-build with character, similar to her grandparents’ cottage.
“I love living here and wouldn’t ever want to live anywhere else. I think it’s the best place to live, the remoteness and rural aspect of it is something I like a lot. Especially during lockdown, I couldn’t imagine having been stuck in a big city. The life for children here is second to none as they have freedom to be outside and learn.”
As someone who has decided to stay on the islands and raise a family with her husband, Lynda wants to encourage more young people to do the same.
“Young people should look more into life on the islands. I never expected to get this job at the CAB and never thought I’d reach this level. You just have to take a look and see what’s out there for you. Sometimes you have to start at the bottom and work your way up, and that’s okay.”
Times and attitudes towards work are changing, working from home and remote working has enabled people to enjoy where they are from: “I hope that the way things are now, it’ll give an opportunity to the islands. There will be more jobs available here and I hope that young people see the benefits of living where they’re from.”
