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Shetland mum lands dream teaching job – nearly 30 years after exam disappointment

Louise Garriock Shetland mum who is set to become a home economics teacher
Shetland mum set to qualify as teacher almost three decades after school results disappointment.

A mum-of-five from Shetland is set to become a home economics teacher – nearly three decades after her grades stopped her achieving her dream.

Louise Garriock, from Weisdale, has always had the dream of becoming a teacher, but did not get the exam results she hoped for.

The 43-year-old – who has always loved cooking – refocused and went to Shetland College to become a chef.

She became an apprentice chef before welcoming first daughter Gillian into the world at the age of 19.

‘Absolutely love teaching’

Afterwards, she took the skills she learned during her apprenticeship into new roles while also going on to have four more children.

Jobs included cooking for Happyhansel Primary School for eight years, working in various local cafes and at local halls during weddings.

Then one day, thanks to an advert in the local paper, she had a change in direction which has led to her finally pursuing her teaching dreams.

“I’d seen an advert in The Shetland Times – Shetland College was looking for somebody to do seven hours as an assessor in the hospitality department,” she said.

Louise Garriock’s five children. From left 10-year-old Kerry, 22-year-old Collette, 20-year-old James, 24-year-old Gillian and 15-year-old Martha.

“I wondered if I could do that. I didn’t have an accessor qualification, but I applied for it and I got it and they put me through to get my accessor qualification.

“It was just a temporary post to cover for another lecturer, but it was enough to just say ‘this is what I want to do, I absolutely love teaching’.”

‘You have to get some sort of education’

Ms Garriock went to Shetland College to do Higher English and National 5 Maths and an HNC in professional cookery.

Now, she is four months away from completing her honours degree in food, nutrition and textile education from Perth College – but it’s not been easy.

She said: “I’ve been travelling near enough every single week to do this, I’m a single mum and the youngest is only 10, but I thought ‘let’s get this done, life’s too short and I want to provide for my bairns.’

“I go down from Shetland on the Sunday night boat and I’m home Wednesday morning. A number of students have let me sleep in spare beds or couches, they’ve been so lovely.

“I’m absolutely determined, I sleep rough on the boat to cut costs because I don’t get any help with travel money-wise.”

Ms Garriock uses herself as an example of the importance of getting an education, with her eldest who she credits for helping with her other children, also doing a degree.

“I’ve drummed it into them that you have to get some sort of education and plan of what your future is going to be, I always use myself as an example.

Louise Garriock with daughters Martha, Kerry and Gillian

“If it wasn’t for my older bairns and my mum and dad, then this wouldn’t be possible. When I graduate I’ll have the biggest party and everybody is invited.

“My oldest Gillian is the person I would have to thank the most, she’s helped me so much with the younger bairns, she’s been my absolute rock through it all.

“She’s doing her degree right now to be an accountant, so she’s got a lot of work on at the moment.”

‘Have faith you can do it’

Ms Garriock has now secured herself a job at Anderson High School in Lerwick as a home economics teacher, which she will begin after she completes her degree.

She stressed that it’s never too late to pursue the career you want and everyone should do so even if it’s incredibly challenging.

“Even though you don’t think it’s possible, it is possible, you just have to have faith that you can do it.

“The climb to the top of that mountain might be the hardest thing you do in your life, but at the top the view is absolutely beautiful, so embrace it because life will get better,” she added.

Conversation