WATCH: Historic baton handover a proud day for Buckie BBs
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BUCKIE Boys' Brigade brought their participation in the organisation's 140th anniversary celebrations to a close in style – with a little help from their friends in the local RNLI.
A commemorative baton is on a journey round the North of Scotland BB Companies, and from Tuesday, January 30 to Sunday, February 4 it was the turn of the local 1st Company to join in the festivities.
Despite the less than clement weather a big crowd gathered to witness the historic event on Sunday. The baton was sent on its way in style when the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson was chauffeured to the lifeboat station in an eye-catching McLaren 675LT sports car, provided by Regency Car Sales in the town.
WATCH: The Lord Lieutenant arrives in style.
After being introduced to the assembled crowd, Mr Simpson was presented with the baton by Mason Bennetts (7) from Buckie BB whose father, Simon, is fleet manager for Windcat workboats.
Addressing the crowd, Mr Simpson said: "One of the aims of the [organising] committee was that every member of the Boys' Brigade would get opportunity to hold this baton and then pass it on to somebody else.
"I think that symbolises how the Boys' Brigade involves so many people and also by passing it on from one person to another it tells you something about the togetherness of being a member of the Boys' Brigade.
"It's sad to see it leaving Banffshire but it's my privilege now to take it over to Lossiemouth and hand it over to the Lord Lieutenant of Moray who will then allow the different groups in the Moray area to take the baton and experience it as you did.
"Before I read the message from the King can I just say, personally, how much in awe I am of all that you folks do. I think it's amazing. I was at a meeting last week and I was hearing from somebody who employs former Boys' Brigade from Buckie and they were telling me what a difference that makes to the boys growing up, to their personal development and the personal skills they gain that sets them up for life.
"I think what you folks are doing with the Boys' Brigade in Buckie, across the north of Scotland and across the world, is brilliant because you're helping young people take part in their communities but also preparing them for life. Can I say to all the leaders a huge 'thank you' for your commitment, for your hard work and the time that you give to support the youngsters. It really is appreciated and it does make a difference."
WATCH: The Lord Lieutenant reads the King's message.
After delivering the monarch's message, Mr Simpson headed for Buckie's lifeboat, the William Blannin, to be conveyed to Lossiemouth marina after which he and the welcoming party were piped over to Station Park where the baton was formally handed over to the Lord Lieutenant of Moray Seymour Munro.
Captain McIntosh said the Buckie lads had made the most of their time with the baton.
He continued: "We were delighted to have been part of this historic occasion for the Boys' Brigade.
"The relay all started last year when the King handed over the baton to the Boys' Brigade at the Braemar Gathering on its way to visit every north BB Company.
"Boys in both the Junior and Company sections undertook a challenge to walk or run a total of 25km with each boy carrying the baton. The older boys did a stationary cycle challenge, also over a distance of 25km. In total, they covered a total of approximately 146km, which is an incredible length.
"Around 160 boys in all were involved during the week.
"All of the boys involved will receive a baton relay badge.
"The baton also got to the top of the Bin Hill on Saturday – a cold day, but we got there! – and today [Sunday] a Royal message was read out in the South and West Church.
"We're indebted to Buckie lifeboat, [coxswain] Mr Davie Grant and her crew for their support in this venture."
He went on to thank the team at Buckie fire station for their involvement in the big day.
Joining the event were Banffshire BB Battalion Honorary President Bill Murray, 2nd Turriff Captain Philip Anderson and 1st Banff Captain Ian Cameron.
Seeing the lifeboat off in style was an escort of Windcat boats while on of Buckie fire engines was on pier 2 to spray the flotilla with a water jet.
Buckie RNLI lifeboat operations manager Anne Scott said the team had been delighted to be able to help out.
She added: "Buckie lifeboat have a long connection to the BBs and we are delighted to help transport the King’s baton on part of its journey round the UK."
The BBs were formed in Glasgow in 1883 and in the years since have spread across the globe. Their presence in Buckie dates back to 1955.
BLOB For more pictures from the event, turn to page 5.
