Celebrating a Special Bond: A Mother-Daughter Duo at Walker's Shortbread

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible bonds shared between mothers and daughters, especially those who have the unique experience of working together at Walker's.

As a proud family-run business, Walker’s has always valued the strong sense of community within our workforce. Many of our employees have family ties within the company, and we love seeing generations work side by side. One such pair is Linda and Leanne, a mother and daughter from Speyside, who not only share a family connection but also a professional one right here at Walker’s. Their journey is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and values that have shaped our company for over 127 years.

Mother-daughter relationships are a cherished bond, but not every daughter can say she has worked alongside her mum - never mind at the same company. Linda and Leanne, a mother-daughter duo from Speyside, share not only a family connection but also a professional one at Walker’s. Their journey together in the company has revealed how much they truly have in common, particularly when it comes to their strong work ethic.

While their job roles are very different, Linda is a Training and Compliance Manager and Leanne is a Commercial Projects and Process Supervisor, their approach to work is strikingly similar.

Leanne reflects: “Growing up, I always thought we were quite different, but now that I’m older, I realise we’re more alike than I thought, especially when it comes to work ethic. My mum always leads by example and has the company’s best interests at heart, and this is something I always strive to do too.”

Linda, proud of her daughter’s dedication, adds: “You can’t achieve anything without hard work, and this is something I’ve instilled in my children. Leanne has worked incredibly hard to get to where she is, though she has been quite stubborn about accepting any help from me along the way.”

Linda’s journey with Walker’s began in 1972 with a short stint before she ventured into the hospitality trade. Years later, as a mother, she returned to the company for what she thought would be a temporary Christmas job to save for her children’s presents. That temporary role turned into a lifelong career, and 41 years later, she remains a dedicated member of the Walker’s team.

Leanne’s path to Walker’s took a different route. After living away from home for 16 years, she and her husband faced the decision of moving to Glasgow or returning to Speyside. While Glasgow offered more job opportunities, the pull of home was strong. When a role at Walker’s Shortbread became available, Leanne seized the opportunity.

“I always wanted to return home or be closer to Speyside,” says Leanne. “Knowing that Walker’s is one of the largest employers in the area gave me confidence in job security for both me and my family. Everything just felt like the right fit.”

Despite having a well-known mother at the company, Leanne was determined to land the job on her own merit. “I didn’t want any help, and I didn’t want anyone to know my mum and I were related. She’s quite well-known at the company, and I was determined to land the role myself, so I kept it a secret until the last moment.”

For Leanne, working at the same company as her mum means more than just sharing a workplace. “Having her here provides a sense of comfort and support. Her dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and they motivate me to give my best every day. It feels like we’re contributing together, and that makes me feel incredibly proud.”

At first, it felt strange for Leanne to work at the same company as her mum, but now it’s simply a part of her daily life. They work in different departments, but their paths occasionally cross. Linda recalls: “I’ll never forget when Leanne started her role in HR and had to do training with my team. We kept it professional, but it was great to see a different side of Leanne in action, which I hadn’t seen before. It made me extremely proud.”

Leanne appreciates her mother’s wisdom and guidance: “My mum is a fountain of knowledge, and she’s always keen to help me understand more about Walker’s. Growing up, I didn’t fully appreciate how hard it is to balance a career and family. Now, I see how much she did for us, from working hard to sewing sequins onto my dance outfits after a long shift. When we talk about work, we continue to learn from each other.”

Linda is filled with pride when speaking about her daughter’s achievements. “Leanne is part of the next generation carrying on the tradition of families working for Walker’s - the Walker’s Way. She started in HR and now works in the Commercial team, building an incredible career. We’re lucky this has been possible for her so close to home.”

With Mother’s Day approaching, Leanne and Linda look forward to catching up as a family over a cuppa and a piece of Walker’s Shortbread, celebrating not just their personal bond but also the shared journey they’ve had at Walker’s.