The President and Executive of the Buchan Battalion send their congratulations to Bailey Lynch and Kyle Gammack of the 4th Peterhead Company who were presented with their President’s Badges tonight.
The Badge is the second-highest in the Brigade and is the first requirement before boys can go on to work towards their Queen’s Badge.
We wish them every success in their endeavors for the Queen’s Badge!
It was with a deep sense of shock and sadness that many of us heard of the sudden passing of Duncan Leel Jnr, aged only 40 years.
Duncan was a long-time member of the 1st Fraserburgh Company after briefly starting his BB journey in the 1st New Pitsligo Anchors. In 1992/93, when the 1st Fraserburgh Company Band was reformed, Duncan was quick to sign up. Learning the snare drum under Alastair Sinclair, he would go on to become senior drummer to the band. In 2002 he was appointed Bandmaster of the Company Band and served in that post for the next 20 years. Under his tenure the band had a number of successes at the BB Scottish Band Contests.
Followers from further afield will remember Duncan from the many Scottish Band competitions he attended as a boy, officer and bandmaster. In many respects many of his old boys will remember him most fondly for the same thing, from the days when the pilgrimage to the contest was an annual event. His band was also the Band for the Buchan Battalion, being called upon to cover our parades.
Between 2016-20, Duncan served as Officer-in-Charge of the 1st Fraserburgh Junior Section. It was something of a return, being a long-standing senior officer of the section for the decade between 2000-10. A popular officer in Juniors, he won the Officer of the Year award on a number of occasions. In total, Duncan gave upwards of 20 years service to the Boys’ Brigade as a staff member and Lieutenant in his company.
Away from BB he is perhaps best known for managing and then owned the Dick’s Sports business. Many an officer will know of his kindness in business, as there was always a wee BB discount of some description added to the final bill. This was a kindness and helpfulness he had in all spheres of life and something that will be missed by his many friends. Very recently Duncan had embarked on a new career as a bus driver, something he loved and was proud of, which makes his untimely passing all the more cruel.
The only son of Jessie and Duncan Snr, lately Battalion President, the thoughts of all in Buchan are with them both at this incredibly sad and difficult time. Their family within this Brigade will be there to support them, always.
ADAM IRELAND – 4th FRASERBURGH
RUARY McDONALD – 4th FRASERBURGH
JOSHUA RITCHIE – 4th FRASERBURGH
This morning three young men from the 4th Fraserburgh were presented with their Queen’s Badges – the highest award in the Boys’ Brigade. The badges were presented by the boys’ mothers; a thank you for all they do for their sons in the BB.
The badges were presented at a special Platinum Jubilee church service, led by Dorothy Mair, at Fraserburgh’s West Parish Church. It was fitting that the Queen’s Badge was presented at a service celebrating the BB Patron’s 70 years of service.
Battalion President, Marc Thomson, was present and congratulated the recipients on their well deserved awards. Keep up the good work!
This morning the Battalion President presented eight members of the 4th & 5th Fraserburgh with their President’s Badges – the second highest award in the Boys’ Brigade. The President told those gathered that he was happy to hear that all eight are already working towards gaining their Queen’s Badge!
We send our Congratulations to:
JONATHAN BEAGRIE
ARCHIE BUCHAN
CHRISTOPHER GAMMACK
LIAM McDONALD
LEWIS NOBLE
MARCUS COOK
AARON HASTIE
CALUM SCOTT
Well done on this excellent achievement!
For the final time the BB kept the light at Kinnaird Head to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This time the 4th & 5th Fraserburgh companies had the duty of keeping the machine running.
They had fantastic conditions last night and enjoyed a magnificent sunset from the roof of the Castle.
The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses would like to thank all members of the BB for participating in this event, helping to make the Jubilee celebrations in Fraserburgh that extra bit special!
GLEN MITCHELL, 1st STRICHEN
ROBBIE STEWART, 1st STRICHEN
The President and Executive of the Buchan Battalion congratulate Glen and Robbie on being awarded their Queen’s Badges – the highest awards in the Boys’ Brigade.
They are pictured receiving their badges with Captain Steve Wilson, Vice-President of Buchan Battalion, and Colin Strong, Chaplian.
Well done on this great achievement!
Boys and Officers of the 1st Fraserburgh Company kept the light going at Kinnaird Head Lighthouse last night as part of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses‘ three day celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Mrs Duthie switched the light on to begin the night and the party had to wind the machine to keep the light flashing.
Well done all!
The 1st Rosehearty and 1st Fraserburgh Companies took part in the Jubilee Beacons at Kinnaird Head Lighthouse last night to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The Battalion President and Battalion Secretary were present and took their turn at winding the lighthouse machinery to keep the lens spinning!
The events were organised as part of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses‘ Jubilee events.
The lighthouse will be manned by the Boys’ Brigade for the next two nights – 8pm-midnight.
This evening the Battalion President, Marc Thomson, attended a service of Thanksgiving for Her Majesty the Queen at St. Ninian’s and Forglen Parish Church, Turriff. He was accompanied by Jim Muirhead MBE, Honorary Battalion President, and the Queen’s Badge Advisor.
The evening was organised by the Presbytery of Buchan and it was a wonderful service of thanksgiving and song to mark the Queen’s historic 70 year reign and her deep faith. It was also great to meet with our colleagues from Banffshire Battalion.
Between 2nd-4th June senior members of the 1st Rosehearty, 1st Fraserburgh and 4th/5th Fraserburgh Companies will man the historic Kinnaird Head Lighthouse to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee!
The former lighthouse tower will be lit between 8pm-midnight, but will be more visible after about 10pm.
If you see the light (it has a range of about 25 miles) remember it’s the BB thats keeping it going over those three nights!
Part of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses‘ Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
