Stuart Douglas

Said the following about Jim McKie:

“I am nominating my colleague, and friend, Jim McKie for the RailStaff Lifetime Achievement Award, as there would be no more fitting a tribute for a man who dedicated his life to the railway...from the day he joined BR as a YTS trainee in July 1988, until his untimely passing on 21st January this year, at the age of 45.

I was privileged to work alongside Jim for much of this time, witnessing first-hand the commitment, diligence and passion which allowed him to quickly progress within the Rutherglen-based Training & Competence division of Babcock's predecessor First Engineering Ltd (FEng). Indeed, it was an initially 'temporary' move to Manchester in the Summer of 2000, which was to shape the rest of Jim's life - both professionally, and personally. Tasked with setting up a brand new FEng training facility, to support the award of the new IMC Contract, Jim's knowledge, enthusiasm and 'can-do' (or 'nae-bother', as he would say) attitude, soon made him an indispensable member of the local team - this was further cemented when he met his future wife Kate, with whom he had two beautiful daughters. Promoted to the role of Training Manager North West, Jim was responsible for establishing the impressive Trafford Park Training Centre in 2004 - he continued to manage the facility, and its team of trainer/assessors, until his tragic death as the result of a pulmonary embolism, while engaged in developing a new course in his native Scotland. At this time, Jim was also proving himself to be a more than able acting General Manager T&C, covering my secondment to the Babcock OmanRail Project. Under his direction, Babcock Rail gained an 'Outstanding' rating in its NSAR audit; and the regard in which he was held within the industry was also evidenced by his appointment as Babcock Rail's representative on the board of the ARTP.

Throughout his career, Jim both played for - and coached - the RailSport Football Team, which represented the UK rail industry in various tournaments both at home, and abroad. On the pitch and training ground, he demonstrated the same level of enthusiasm and commitment as he did towards his work - with his patience and easy-going style making him the ideal mentor for younger players, and colleagues, alike.

As his Line Manager, I have been overwhelmed by the many personal testimonies received from staff throughout the industry, attesting to the impact which one young man had on their career - from words of encouragement to the offer of practical help; someone who could instil the importance of safety and was always willing to give freely the benefit of his knowledge and experience. Many have said that the railway is a poorer place after his passing; and he is greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and everyone who had the pleasure to know him.“

James Gilmour

Said the following about Jim McKie:

“I was an apprentice under Jim when I arrived on the railway from leaving school. He passed on knowledge and gave me skills about safety that I still use everyday. He really set my safety mind up from that impressionable age and highlighted with impact the dangers of working in this hazardous environment. Thank you Jim. Jim is sadly no longer with us however he deserves this award for his tireless dedication.“