Billy McWhinnie started his career at Lees of Scotland in 1972 as a van boy aged just 15 but didn’t make the best impression on founder, John J Lees. Upon seeing the youngster Mr Lees told Billy’s boss, “I don’t want that young scallywag working in my company”. Despite that early rebuttal, Billy went on to work for Lees for 46 years.

In the early days of his career, Billy was involved in the manufacturing of confectionery, including toffee and penny caramels before being put in charge of making tablet, fudge, macaroon bars and coconut ice bars.

Billy went on to work in several roles within Lees at various locations including Heather Cameron in Wishaw and Shawhead before we moved to our current factory at Caldeen Road in Coatbridge. Billy met his wife Gladys in the workplace. The couple got married in 1974 when they were only 19 years old and have been happily married since.

Clive Miquel, Chief Executive, said, “I would say Billy is a Lees man through and through. His heart has always been in the right place and he is a fair and honest man respected by all his colleagues. I’d like to warmly thank Billy for his 46 years of loyal, committed service to Lees and we wish Billy and Gladys a long and happy retirement”