An Edinburgh hotel Concierge has retired after 50 years of service. Billy Garioch was honored at a Golden Keys Concierge Society meeting at the hotel by being invited into the “Keys” in recognition of his long service. Billy has worked at The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, over six decades.
The Society is modelled on the Clefs D’Or  started in Paris and Switzerland by a group of Head Hall Porters of leading high class hotels who  formed the organisation to share best practice. This was emulated by a similar group in London in 1952. Members are all employed as uniformed concierges at hotels of ‘good-standing’ for a minimum of five years, but have to be sponsored by two members and have their knowledge put to the test before joining.
Billy, who joined the hotel in 1963 as a 15 year-old porter, said: -” I have spent my whole career working in this lovely old building on what is one of the most famous streets in the world. I well remember the excitement of arriving for my first day at work all those years ago and I feel that same excitement today. There have been many changes over the years, and it is a great honour to welcome guests form all over the world and to be part of the team here. ”
Dale MacPhee, General Manager was very complimentary about Billy: Audio Interview
In his time Billy has known seven hotel owners and sixteen General Managers. He was presented with his Golden Keys and Sgian Dubh by Sir Tom Farmer who has known Billy almost all the time he has worked here.
Later Billy got to recall a humorous tale about a lost poodle which can be heard here:
Thomas Haywood is a freelance photographer producing great royalty-free images in Scotland.
