Leaving a legacy of achievement and spotless work ethic

Spotless Commercial Cleaning's Edinburgh chief, who started as a morning cleaner, is hanging up her dusters after 18 years at the firm.

And as she approaches her 50th birthday, Cathy Brockie is quitting work to look after her grandchildren Kane, three, and Maya, one.

The move will see Brockie, who ran a 4.5 million turnover operation, join a growing generation of grandparents who care for children full time, as childcare costs soar for working families.

Spotless was founded in 1989 by chief executive Roger Green, who started cleaning in the mornings to help fund his degree at Edinburgh University.

He said: "Cathy belongs to that rare breed of managers who are truly inspirational to those around her.

"She leads from the front, and just to be involved with her has the effect of raising your own personal standard.

"She is a natural encourager and people just want to perform well for her. She will be sorely missed, but her positive legacy will remain with us."