Getting to know you: Kirsty Rafferty

Kirsty Rafferty has worked in the Scottish Parliament's Garden Lobby coffee bar since the Holyrood building opened in 2004. In 2015 she won Sodexo's national barista competition and she knows how every MSP takes their coffee.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Livingston, West Lothian. 

What were you like at school?

Teacher’s pet...No, I wasn’t a teacher’s pet. I would just always like to volunteer to help whenever I could. 

What was your favourite class?

I liked all the classes, actually. But if I had to choose – Home Economics and PE. I liked creating things. Before I came here, I was a hairdresser. I think it’s because I like to make things. Working as a hairdresser, I’d be creating different styles. And now I’m here creating different coffees. 

How long were you cutting hair for?

I started that professionally when I was 18 and then I gave it up when I was 30. 

Is there a similarity between working as a hairdresser and working as a barista?

I’m always talking to different people. Obviously, as a hairdresser, I was chatting all the time and communicating with clients as well. And see in here? I know everyone and everyone knows me. If I don’t know their name, I know what type of coffee they have. Everybody regards the coffee bar as ‘Kirsty’s coffee bar’.

I’ve heard that! When I came in the door today and asked to speak to you, the person at reception said: “Oh, I know Kirsty, she makes a mean coffee.”

Really? Haha – oh well, there you go. 

How long have you been working here?

Fifteen years. It’ll be 15 years on the 22nd of November. 

Do you remember your first day at work?

Yep. It was really good. I remember coming in and it was around the Garden Lobby that I had my interview. I was a nervous wreck at first because I was thinking, “working at the parliament – this is massive, this is huge.” I had my interview and I think I more or less got told that day that I got the job. So, it was literally straight on to the coffee bar and because I never knew a thing about coffee, I was really nervous. I had this girl teaching me what to do. But within weeks, I was working on the bar in the morning and through in the restaurant in the afternoons and I did that for a good few years. 

What’s your favourite thing about working in the parliament?

My favourite thing is, obviously, making coffees and dealing with my customers as well. As I say, I know them. Even if they don’t come down for a coffee, they’ll come down for a chat. If they’re having a bad day, they’ll just come down and say, “I’m just here to talk to you for a couple of minutes.” 

What’s been your most memorable day working in the parliament?

It was the day I came back and told everyone I had won the National Barista Championships. 

How long ago was that?

Four years ago. I first entered in 2011 – it was my boss at the time that said to me to go for it. I said: “I cannae do that,” but he kept saying, “go for it, go for it!” So, I did, I went for it. And that first year, I didn’t do so well – I was placed seventh. And then the following year, I came third, and the next year, I came second. Then in 2015, I won. I also won a special recognition for outstanding achievement and best speciality coffee. 

What was your speciality coffee?

It was called the Session Four Members’ Coffee. It incorporated different areas of Scotland with Cranachan and Speyside whisky to signify the Highlands, Edinburgh rock, representing central Scotland and heather to signify the Borders hills region.

How did your team react when you told them the news?

They were a wee bit “ooh, look at you!” but they were chuffed, too.

What’s your top coffee-making tip?

Make sure your grinder is set up properly. The whole thing about making coffee is knowing what you’re doing but also making sure your grinder is set up right. Oh, and having your milk steamed correctly… Always do your milk first! 

Who is your most difficult customer?

[Chuckle and a long pause.] I wouldn’t say I have any difficult customers. 

That’s a very political answer

Well, with most of the staff and the MSPs, I know how far I can go with them. If they’re having a good day or not so good a day, I know how much chat I can give them. Most of them know me by now, so I wouldn’t say they’re difficult. 

Do you ever pick up political gossip over the counter?

No comment. 

Fair enough. What is your greatest fear?

Spiders. 

What is your most treasured possession?

I would say the Simonelli coffee machine I won as part of the competition. And my hot tub. 

Which MSP would you invite to your hot tub?

Edward Mountain. He’d be a hoot.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?

Listen. Listen to what people tell you and don’t just assume things. 

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Midget Gems.

When was your last holiday?

We went away for a long weekend in June, up to Strathdon, just me and my partner. We stayed in this cottage. It was just amazing. 

Do you feel ready for the new parliamentary term?

Yes, definitely. 

Cats or dogs?

Dogs.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee.

Naturally. Salt and vinegar or salt and sauce?

Salt and vinegar. 

Early bird or a night owl?

Early bird. 

Night in or night out?

Night in.

Fame or fortune?

Well, I’ve already got the fame, so I’ll take fortune!