Fiona Flood works at the Aberdeen-Angus office at Pedigree House in Perth, where she makes up the Registrations department along with colleagues Yvonne and Caroline. We’ve had a chat with Fiona to find out more about her work, her background and her general interests!

Could you give us a little introduction about yourself?

“I’m originally from Elgin, but I made my way to Perth after being at university in Edinburgh. After university, I worked with the local library in their archive for a spell. I joined the Society six years ago, before that I had worked for many years with my husband Louis in our family business – Louis Flood Photographers. Within the Society I work in the Registrations team where my main task at the moment is informing the members about how easy it is for them to do their registrations online. I am usually the first point of contact for any new members and I can answer any general registration enquiries – if you phone in the afternoon, I’ll always be happy to help out!’’

What do you enjoy most about working with the Society?  

“There’s loads of things I enjoy about working with the Society, one of which is the great team that I work with at Pedigree House. There’s always something different happening which makes every day interesting, and chatting to members on the phone and trying to help resolve any issues or questions they have is something I take great enjoyment from. Getting out of the office to attend the Bull Sales and the Royal Highland Show is also a fantastic opportunity to meet Society members and put faces to a lot of names. I’m always learning too!’’

What is your background with cattle? Do you breed yourself?

“When it comes to livestock, living in the centre of Perth restricts us to only keeping chickens – nothing bigger than that! My chickens came from Barbara Webster – we have two at the moment after a couple of untimely deaths but hoping to increase the flock in the Spring. My introduction to the Society and to cattle was through the photography business. My husband Louis Jr and father-in-law Louis Snr spent many years working for the Society as photographers, so I became used to working with pictures of the champions from the Bull Sales and Shows, and got to know the industry and the members that way.’’

What are your general interests? Can you tell us what you like to do with your spare time?

“Much of my spare time at the moment is spent walking (and training!) our new puppy, Cerys. She arrived last summer and is lots of fun – walks at the beach are a particular favourite. When time allows, I enjoy being in the garden or meeting friends for lunch. I’m also very happy curled up with a good book in front of the fire.’’

What is your favourite food/recipe?

“We do try to eat healthily most of the time but a favourite at the weekend is still a traditional Sunday roast beef. I have an ongoing rivalry with my sister about who makes the best Yorkshire puddings, it isn’t even close if you ask me! Otherwise, I enjoy eating out – we are lucky to have some great restaurants in Perth.’’

What is your favourite TV show and why?

“Has to be Death in Paradise – just for the theme tune and the sunshine alone! Otherwise, I like property programmes like Location, Location, Location or Grand Designs.’’

If you could visit any location for a holiday, where would it be and why?

“We have had some lovely holidays in Tiree and I’m looking forward to going back there this summer. It’ll be the first time with a dog to walk on the beach, which I think will make it even better! My favourite place to visit is Hopeman in Morayshire – another beautiful area with a great beach for walking.”

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

“I actually have quite an interesting Aberdeen-Angus fact! I have a picture of my grandfather Stuart Hastie presenting a trophy to an Aberdeen-Angus, probably in the 1950s. I don’t know where the show is, but it’s a very impressive trophy. Maybe one of the members can help let me know where the Show was in the photograph below?’’

We’d like to thank Fiona for chatting to us and letting us learn more about her work and interests! As Fiona mentions, it’d be great if any members could help identify the Show at which her Grandfather is presenting a trophy in the above image – feel free to get in touch!