Buckie BB beacon is 'fitting end' to jubilee celebrations
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AROUND 1000 people flocked to Strathlene to witness the lighting of Buckie Boys' Brigade beacon to mark the Queen's platinum jubilee.
It may have been one of the last jubilee beacons to be lit but it was most likely one of the biggest and best, providing a fitting finale to a splendid community event at the site of the former open air swimming pool.
Guest of honour for the evening was Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson, who had a busy evening ahead of him.
His first task of the evening was to cut the ribbon on the refurbished pagoda at the site. Installed after the former pool was filled in, the structure has since deteriorated in condition. However, an enthusiastic, 20-strong team of volunteers, lead by 1st Buckie Company Boys' Brigade officer Grant Stewart, have restored it to its former glory. The pagoda now boasts the colours of the platinum jubilee following a meticulous refit.
The project was sponsored by Regency Car Sales.
Following that, Buckie BB Caleb Watt, who produced the winning designed for the Banffshire Battalion platinum jubilee badge, was presented with his badge.
The evening was not over for young Caleb who, along with Alicia Clamp from 1st Buckie Guides, joined Mr Simpson in lighting the beacon.
Addressing the crowd, Mr Simpson first paid tribute to 1st Company winning the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
"This is a fantastic award, I cannot stress how fantastic it is," he continued.
"It's sometimes called the MBE for voluntary organisations and is actually the top award any voluntary group can achieve. Only 244 groups in the whole of the United Kingdom have won this year so the BB winning it here is really, really, special."
He went on to laud the contributions made by local BB officers helpers and the wider community, not to mention the efforts of the boys themselves.
Speaking about the jubilee beacon, Mr Simpson added: "What better way to finish the events we have had here than here in this fantastic setting.
"It is a special event....it's once in history."
Buckie BB Captain Alan McIntosh said: "It's great to see such huge support from the local community at the event.
"The evening couldn't have happened without our many volunteers and sponsors and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them all.
"I would also like to pay tribute to Grant Stewart and his team of volunteers for their work in refurbishing the pagoda – over 200 of hours of work went into it."
"We were delighted to welcome Moray council Convener Councillor Marc Macrae and council co-leader Councillor Neil McLennan, who were both very supportive of the event."
Moray Guiding Development Advisor Janet McDonald said: "We were delighted to be asked to partner with the BBs for this historic Platinum Jubilee event. The Rainbows, Brownies and Guides had a great time and enjoyed all the activities on offer.
"It was good for our two youth organisations to join together in this community event and let people see how many girls and boys both our organisations have."
Councillor Macrae commented: “It was a fantastic evening at Strathlene where the weather was perfect for the Buckie Boys' Brigade lighting of their jubilee beacon.
“So many people made it the coast to share in the evening and to help celebrate the platinum jubilee of the Queen with a beacon which surely would have been visible from the cruise liner passing in the firth.
“The youngsters taking part as well as those helping to steward the event are a credit to the town and it easily seen just how much they benefit from their participation in the Boys' Brigade. Their recent award of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is yet further recognition of the hard work and efforts of all the boys and their leaders.”
Councillor McLennan added: "What a tremendous evening.
"The Buckie beacon not only was the magnificent last UK beacon to be lit but the night was a fine celebration of Buckie 1st BBs' wonderful Queen's Award. It was great to see such a super evening coordinated by BBs' and Queen's Boys – all a credit to the Brigade, the town and their country."
In addition to the main events, there were stalls, food and a funfair for people to enjoy, as well as games for the BBs and Guides who came along.
