Portsoy community stalwarts awarded British Empire Medals
Two Portsoy community stalwarts have been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours.
Dr Anne McArthur and Bob Philips have both given years of service to the town and the wider area through their roles in various groups.
Anne enjoyed a successful career in education both in schools and local authority offices.
Her many contributions to the community include country dancing. As well as teaching generations of young people, she has also had lead roles in the Banffshire Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Association.
She led a group of dancers to perform at Balmoral in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II and was invited by the Scottish dancers of Argentina to go there as a guest teacher.
Anne also has leadership roles within the local parish church. She was a founder member of the Portsoy Community Enterprise and plays a particular role with the running of the Salmon Bothy and the local heritage centre.
Meanwhile, Bob Philips has played significant roles in the successes of the Portsoy Scout group, Banff Rugby Club and the music group Folk at the Salmon Bothy.
He has used his administrative skills and enthusiasm to help develop and maintain thriving organisations that involve many people in the area.
Bob was one of the key figures in establishing the annual Haal folk festival which is held in Portsoy each summer.
This attracts both artists and audiences to the town and has grown to be an important fixture in the community’s annual calendar.
He is also involved with the music at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.
Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson said: “Congratulations to Anne and Bob on gaining their awards in the New Year’s Honours list.
“For both it is recognition of many years selfless service to the community of Portsoy and beyond.
“Their dedication and inspirational work as volunteers has impacted the lives of so many for good.
“By giving their time and efforts to share and promote their interests with others, they have enriched the life of the town and area.”
