Buckie volunteers create fitting tribute for heroes
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THERE may not be the usual large Remembrance Sunday parade this year at Buckie's war memorial, but a local volunteer group have been working hard to ensure the area remains a fitting tribute to heroes.
Buckie's Roots, who were originally formed in 2018 to look after Cluny Square, have been busy adding a bright and respectful floral display at the base of the memorial.
Two beds, one either side of the memorial, now boast a selection of planters adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the area.
Meg Jamieson, Buckie's Roots' chairwoman, said: "We realised that with everything that's been going on Moray Council weren't in a position to look after the area at the foot of the war memorial, so we offered to take it on.
"We talked to Grant Speed at the council's lands and parks section and they were happy for us to take it over; we know the area as we've been working away here for quite a while.
"It was very important to us that the display we created was respectful. A lot of folk are coming to see the memorial now so it had to be just perfect.
"We're delighted we managed to get the memorial beds in place before Remembrance Sunday. There won't be the same big parade this year but we want the place to look its best.
"The council provided the underlay while Limehillock Quarries kindly donated the stones to go on top. We're very grateful to Tony Sargent at Crafty Wood Turner for donating the planters and Green's of Nairn for the flowers.
"We'd also like to say a big thank you to Robert and Gifford at Struan House guest house on the square for helping us with water for the plants and Gray's bakery for keeping us going with butteries."
The months of lockdown have hampered many activities but the dedicated volunteer team from Buckie's Roots have kept as busy as the regulations have allowed over the past few months and have plans for the future despite the ongoing uncertainty over Covid-19.
Mrs Jamieson added: "Over the last while we've put in a rainbow flower display at the square and other flowers in the beds.
"We're looking to put in some raised beds at Cluny Square, too.
"At some point we'd like to get our Speyside Way sign, which has been made by Macduff Shipyards, up and we've also got a litter picking group on the go.
"As always, we're keen to hear from anyone who would like to sponsor us in some way."
In June 2018 Mrs Jamieson formed Friends of Buckie Square as a sub group of Buckie and District Community Council (BDCC) after seeing a large number of complaints about the dowdy and neglected state of Cluny Square. The dedicated team of volunteers set about planting flowers and looking at other improvements for the square.
Soon after, an offshoot group, Buckie's Roots, were formed with a wider remit of regenerating the green spaces around Buckie. It has since gained charity status.
Keep up to date with Buckie's Roots and their plans by following their Facebook page.
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