Dear All,
As we approach the end of 2023, we can reflect and look back with great pride.
During the year, we have witnessed our Battalion and Companies continue to return to something approaching normal as the effort to rebuild after Covid continues.
Much hard work has taken place by our dedicated leaders and helpers to ensure that our Companies enjoy a varied program of activities.
Battalion competitions continue to thrive with more Anchor competitions taking place, which is very encouraging to see. Several Leaders from Buchan met with friends from other Battalions at the annual NSA Conference in Inverness which was an enjoyable weekend for all.
We were saddened by the loss of long time Hon. Vice-President Tommy Whyte who dedicated much of his life to the 5th Fraserburgh and Buchan Battalion.
I was delighted to present Hon. President & Life Member, Jimmy Muirhead and his wife, Patty, with a card and flowers from the Battalion to mark the occasion of their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
At this time, I would also like to congratulate all our young people who achieved their Duke of Edinburgh, President’s or Queen’s Badge this year. Hard work and commitment is required in order to attain them all, and so you should be very proud of your achievements!
To celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Brigade, the NSA Baton Relay has been underway since it was presented by HM the King to a member from Buchan Battalion at Braemar on 2nd September. Another 2 members from Buchan met The King & Queen that day and I’m sure it will be an experience the 3 of them will never forget.
The Baton has already passed through countless hands, and the letters from The King and NSA President, which are contained within the Baton, have been read at some very interesting landmarks. This will continue, as it makes its way through Buchan and then onto Banffshire, Moray, Highland, Orkney and then back to Aberdeen & District.
The Baton has reminded me of how the BB in Buchan is like a family and I hope all are able to spend as much time with family & friends during this festive break.
May you all have a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2024.
MARC THOMSON
PRESIDENT
