Fiona Butterworth
Occupation: NHS Physiotherapist
Location: Crossmichael
The Glenkens Hub was delighted to meet with Physiotherapist Fiona Butterworth to find out what her life is like as a well-established, and well-respected, professional who has decided to settle here permanently.
Fiona and her husband, Kyle, have a home overlooking Loch Ken in the thriving community of Crossmichael. They share their lives with their lively spaniel, Vinny.
Fiona’s easygoing and compassionate nature meant that when she accompanied her mother to a physio appointment for a broken wrist some years ago, she found herself naturally drawn to the physiotherapy, a profession where she could positively impact peoples’ lives. Fiona pursued her chosen career through attending university in Glasgow, followed by returning to the area and working at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. She was at the Royal Infirmary until 2019, after which she moved into the job she has now; caring for outpatients in her local community.
Having worked for the NHS as a physiotherapist for many years, looking to the future Fiona sees a possible progression for herself into the private sector, running her own practice.
“I've gotten to know a lot of people in the Glenkens and the surrounding area, and they're asking me for advice or if I can help them at all.... So, hopefully within the next year or two, I'll be able to set up my own business where I can work for myself and choose my own hours.”
Fiona moved to Crossmichael several years ago, having grown up on a farm only a few miles away.
“I grew up on a farm just outside Springholm, which was great. Then, for university, I moved to the city, which was very different but I really enjoyed being there. I think I always wanted to be back in this area though, and as my husband is from Crossmichael, when I moved back to the area, we moved here.”
Fiona smiles warmly when she thinks about where she has settled. She enjoys the close-knit community in the Glenkens and how friendly and supportive the people are.
“There is a really good community spirit in the area. Certainly in Crossmichael, I know that we've got lots of different things going on. This year, we've got a gala day coming up.... It runs just in the field over there (she points along from her house) and they usually have lots of different things on; dog shows, lots of kids entertainment, music and a bar. We have meetings every month, which I've been going to.”
Fiona’s husband is equally invested in getting involved in the village activities.
“Kyle, my husband, is on the gala committee as well, and he's also on the community council. He works for Natural Power, which is a large company in the Glenkens. He's quite involved in the local community... and he's a treasurer for the Community Council.”
There seem to be so many options for activities outside of work in the Glenkens and for Fiona, looking out of her window over Loch Ken, it must be a fabulous location in the summer and especially great when you’ve got a dog who enjoys the water and the open space.
“I've always been active… I enjoy being outdoors - camping, hiking, walking my dog. And in the summer, I spend time at the water. I've got a paddle board. Sometimes I do a bit of swimming. I enjoy cycling as well. There's lots of opportunities to do that around here. I love all the outdoor space, all the walks.”
Life in the Glenkens for Fiona and Kyle is rich and full. They are surrounded by friends and family and enjoy not only successful careers, but also making use of the area's abundant opportunities for outdoor activities.
When considering how anyone who does not have family connections to the Glenkens, but who is drawn to living in the area, could see if the lifestyle would suit them, she suggests:
“Come to the area and scope it out, have a look around. You'll maybe appreciate the scenery and the beauty of the area… The Glenkens is an area that not everybody has heard of or knows that much about. It's quite an unspoiled area. So to find out more information, I think Facebook is really good. There's lots of different pages on Facebook, that's probably the easiest way.”
And of course there’s the Glenkens Hub! She goes on to speak of employment opportunities:
“From an NHS point of view, NHS Dumfries and Galloway are always on the lookout for staff. If you are interested in moving to the area then get in touch with somebody within whatever profession it is that you're in. Whilst there might not be a job that's advertised at that time, they might then be able to get in touch with you as and when something comes up.”
Fiona seems relaxed and at ease with her life, as she ponders her future.
“I bought my house last year. I bought this house with a view to living in it for… well, I don't plan to move again! I've been in the NHS for many years, and I'm quite settled in my job. Although there might be other things I want to do, I've got a secure job and I'm happy. I've been married for three years now and I've got Vinny, my wee dog. I go to the gym. Yeah, I've just got a wee routine here,” she smiles.
