Marysia Macfarlane

Marysia Macfarlane is definitely one of the best people I have met since working for Small City.  Not only is she an extremely talented amateur photographer but she is also one of the most obliging people I've ever encountered.  She'll drop everything to help you out immediately and when you're working to a deadline that can be a lifesaver! 

She runs the popular Facebook group Pictures of Perth and Beyond who provided us with this fabulous gallery of snowy pics and just last week we featured a series of her amazing Perth Street pictures that went down a storm.  In addition, she is always on hand to help us out if we require a picture to accompany an article.  

It was only while chatting with Marysia for this article that I realised that her employer 'Care Services Perth Ltd' is just down the stairs from Small City HQ.  Her job involves an early start but she loves the sense of satisfaction she gets helping the often elderly service users perform their daily tasks.  An early start also means an early finish, which means that in the afternoons you can catch Marysia trying to take the perfect photograph or at Norrie Miller walk with taking her dog for a stroll.  We caught up with Marysia to find out about her job, her hobby and much more!

Tell us the weirdest or funniest thing that has ever happened to you at work?

A few years ago, while working as a community support worker for a different company, I had a little bit of a wardrobe malfunction as I bent over to help a client get dressed and I ripped my trousers.  It wasn't quite Janet Jackson at the Superbowl but it was so embarrassing that I had to quickly go home and get changed.  

What signals the start of your days off?

My days off start with a long lie in and when I do finally get up I cook a fry up and have a huge cup of coffee. I would then go into town with my partner, Kirsty, and we either go to Wetherspoons, the Tavern or the Glover Arms to enjoy a pint of punk IPA or a large chardonnay. We usually spend a few hours there having a blether and enjoying the atmosphere. Then we go down Ruthvenfield way to walk Max, our black Labrador/Springer-Spaniel cross. Then it's back home to enjoy a homemade pizza and put our feet up.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I am a mum, a granny and I enjoy reading horror stories and watching horror films.  I love the 'Saw' films but my absolute favourite is 'Jeepers Creepers' it's terrifying.

What is at the top of your bucket list?

Travelling to the Isle of Skye.  It looks so beautifully magical.  I'm dying to see the Fairy Pools and The Old Man of Storr.  You never know, I might even take some pictures!

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?

Working as a cleaner in pubs.  The weird thing was that the women's toilets were way worse than the men's.

Who or what inspires you?

The people I look after at work inspire me as I enjoy listening to their stories of the years gone by.  It's really uplifting stuff.

Tell us about the day you’d love to live again?

I would love to live two separate days again – one when my partner and I went to Blackpool on holiday and the other would be to relive a family BBQ I had before my dad passed away.

What’s the best part about your job?

Seeing the service users smile and getting the chance to make them happy. It makes me feel great knowing that I have made a difference to their day.  

Complete this sentence; the best things in life are….

…seeing others happy

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Marysia runs the Pictures of Perth and Beyond Facebook group where you can browse pics of Perth and wider Perthshire click here to join >>>