Scotland &Ireland - McKinlay Kidd

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Holiday HQ
A glimpse behind the
scenes at McKinlay Kidd
Booking your holiday with McKinlay Kidd is just the start. The company takes pride in
making sure every aspect of your visit goes the way it should – and if there’s a problem,
they take care of it. One of the people dedicated to looking after customers is Julie Morris:
“While some people are travelling to Scotland or Ireland for the first time, others have been
many times before,” she says. “But in some ways you’re helping people fulfil their dreams.”
Julie is in charge of the operations side
of McKinlay Kidd. Ask her to describe a
typical day, and she replies with a smile.
“There’s no such thing! I could be booking
and confirming holiday requirements,
speaking to clients who are planning a
holiday, or putting together holiday packs.”
Every one of these is produced individually,
with a detailed holiday itinerary and
a selection of maps and guides.
Julie’s justifiably proud of the fact that
consistently 90% of customers rate
their packs as excellent in their holiday
surveys each year.
As Julie points out, hers can be a
rewarding job. “We sometimes help
customers plan birthday treats, weddings
and honeymoons, so it’s very satisfying
knowing you’re playing a part in their
special moments.”
“In fact,” she adds, “we had one client who
told us he was going to propose on holiday
and we had to keep it a secret from his
girlfriend. Thankfully she said yes!”
But the job also has its challenges.
Particularly very stormy weather, when
Visit: www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk Call: 0844 873 6110
ferries are occasionally cancelled.
“Obviously when things go wrong it’s
very frustrating. Thankfully we’ve dealt
with most eventualities and can usually
find a solution.”
Not all of Julie’s working week is
spent in the company’s Glasgow office.
She also travels to places so she can talk
knowledgeably about them. Her favourite
places? “The Isle of Eriska, near Oban is
very special. I also loved Orkney, and
Barra is a ‘must see’, with white beaches,
green sea and incredible blue sky.”
“And recently,” she adds, “I was lucky
enough to represent the company at the
Guardian and Observer Travel Awards in
Tenerife, where we won Best Small Tour
Operator!” Ah, it’s a tough job. But as
they say, someone’s got to do it.