Port of Cromarty Firth salutes Elma Hall’s 45 years of helping people with boat trip farewell
When Elma Hall walked into her first civil service job at 16, she never imagined it would be the start of a 45-year journey dedicated to helping others.
Now, as she prepares for retirement, she leaves behind not just a distinguished career – but a powerful legacy of local impact, thanks in no small part to a transformative partnership with the Port of Cromarty Firth that has helped change lives across the Highlands.
The former Alness Academy pupil’s career began in Inverness in 1980 and has taken her all over the UK in various leadership and advisory roles for the DWP and its predecessor organisations.
But it is her recent work in Invergordon, delivering local employment and training initiatives through the DWP’s partnerships with employers and training providers, that has left a lasting impact on her local community.
In particular, Elma played a key role in forging a powerful collaboration with the Port of Cromarty Firth, which has helped many people gain new skills, qualifications and routes into employment.
“The relationship with the Port has been completely invaluable,” Elma said. “They’ve consistently gone above and beyond to support our work with jobseekers, offering free accommodation for training courses, hosting recruitment events and even helping us deliver security training linked to the cruise season.”
From construction skills workshops for unemployed young adults to confidence-building sessions for over-50s returning to the workforce, Elma’s programmes – often delivered in port-owned facilities – have equipped participants with practical experience and qualifications that lead directly into jobs.
Looking ahead, the DWP and the Port are already in discussion about how to replicate this successful model for upcoming development projects.
“Thanks to the strong foundations Elma laid, our partnership will continue to support local communities for years to come,” said Joanne Allday, Head of Strategy and Business Development at the Port of Cromarty Firth.
“We’re enormously grateful for Elma’s dedication and her vision of what collaboration can achieve.”
Elma’s final week includes a farewell trip aboard the Port’s pilot boat – a gesture of appreciation from colleagues and partners alike.
And while she’s looking forward to retirement and more time in Cyprus with her husband Sam, she admits she’ll miss the work.
Elma said: “There’s no better feeling than seeing someone you’ve helped find a new opportunity, a fresh start. That’s what’s kept me going all these years.”
The Port of Cromarty Firth and all at the DWP wish Elma a long, happy and well-earned retirement.
