2023 set to herald new chapter for Buckie Boys' Brigade
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THE new year is set to see a bold new chapter unfold for 1st Buckie Company Boys' Brigade.
In the second half of January, the company will start moving their operations to their new, permanent home at One Marchmont Business Centre.
Work is currently under way to make the premises ready for the Company Section to move in on January 13, with the Anchor Boys and Junior Section scheduled to follow at a later date.
The first phase of the project in what was formerly the bulb factory will see the company have the use of a large hall, kitchen, four classrooms and a tuck shop.
It is envisaged the second phase will bring with it rooms for crafts and other activities all under the one roof.
The project signals the end of a peripatetic existence for Buckie BBs, who have previously been based at Buckie Community High School and, more latterly, the town's South and West Church.
Captain Alan McIntosh hailed the move as one which will revolutionise how the company – one of the biggest in the UK – will be run and the way services can be provided to the boys.
He said: "Our big challenge post-Covid was that the the High School was never going to be an option due to certain restrictions and costs.
"We moved to the South and West Church four nights a week but as time went on we found that this was becoming challenging because of lack of space. The Anchor Boys and Junior Section were split into two evenings each and while the Company Section all went on the same evening they had to be split into two groups.
"One of the effects of this was that the P7 and S1 boys were never getting to know the seniors. We pride ourselves in progression and we wouldn't have this if the P7s and S1s weren't used to being with the older lads. When they stepped up from the Juniors it would be like joining a completely different group.
"The Company Section boys are due to move over to Marchmount on January 13 with the Anchor Boys and Juniors remaining at the church for the time being and moving over at a later date."
At present a dedicated team under the expert eye of company officer Grant Stewart have been busy with their paint brushes getting the premises shipshape for the move, while fellow officer and electrician Andrew Murray and his team – also ex-Buckie BBs – have been working to instal LED lights, giving their time for the job for free.
Captain McIntosh went on to praise the massive support the company has received from their sponsors and the wider community.
"We're indebted to Regency Car Sales and Charles Milne for their very generous sponsorship and providing us with the use of the One Marchmont Business Centre to use long term and at the same time providing us with the facilities and means to refurbish it," he continued.
"We're also very grateful to Andrew Murray and his team for giving of their time to instal the LED lights and Grant Stewart and his team for all their work.
"The company is indebted to other sponsors for their support, including for the provision of tables, chairs and other items as well as to the wider community for their ongoing backing.
"Their efforts will bring huge benefits to 1st Buckie Company by allowing us to have everything together under one roof. As well as being able to provide all our activities for the boys in the one place, having our own premises means we hold fundraisers, such as coffee mornings here and also do outdoor activities. There's lots of parking, too.
"One Marchmont Business centre represents a huge potential for the company."
Mr Milne, who owns Regency Car Sales, said that both he and the firm were delighted to continue supporting the company.
He continued: "We continue to support the 1st Buckie Boys' Brigade.
"Organisations like the BBs form the backbone of our community and are pivotal in bringing the best out of the youngsters in Buckie.
"The 1st Buckie Boys' Brigade lead by example and the dedication and commitment of the leaders and officers is truly remarkable.
"One Marchmont will provide a permanent base for the company and will be another step towards regeneration of the premises."
Keep up to date with 1st Buckie Company BBs news and events by following their Facebook page.
