Buckie man named Scotland's High Street Hero for more than 40 years of dedicated community work
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A BUCKIE man who has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to supporting his local community has been named Scotland's High Street Hero.
Community stalwart Gordon McDonald has helped many vulnerable Buckie residents through the cost of living crisis.
His lifetime of devotion was recognised at the 2023 Scotland Loves Local Awards on Tuesday, November 28.
Organised by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP), the awards recognise the remarkable work taking place to improve communities, from tackling the climate emergency and encouraging enterprise to transforming streets and creating better places to live.
Gordon recognised the struggles that many were facing in his community due to the cost of living crisis in early 2022.
Seeking to help, he identified an empty High Street building which could be used as a warm bank and social hub for those in need.
In doing so, he sourced tradespeople and volunteers to transform the site from which people can now access support, advice, food and fuel vouchers, emergency food or even some company.
The hub now operates six days a week with Gordon continuing to offer his support to all those volunteering.
Gordon, a veteran Moray councillor and chair of of the Buckie Area Forum, was described by one of his nominators as "a true hero of Buckie".
Another of Gordon's nominators said: "There is no-one who has done more for the community."
He collected his award from Buckie Area Forum colleague Kevin McKay alongside Moray Council's Tracey Rae.
Kevin, before presenting Gordon with his award, said: "For well over 40 years, Gordon has put the community first. To me, Gordon is a High Street Hero."
Gordon admitted afterwards that he was "very surprised" to receive the award.
He said: “This award is obviously not for me. It’s for the volunteers and everyone else who has helped me.
“I’ve always been involved in the community. Once you come to Buckie you understand the attraction it has. It draws people in. It’s very much a community.”
There was more success for Moray on the night with Moray Council project officer Kirsty Shand receiving the Judges' Special Award.
Kirsty received the award for her work promoting the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card.
She has been at the forefront of encouraging people to get behind local businesses by spearheading the card across the region.
The audience heard: "Her work has ensured the gift card has become an integral part of the community - encouraging businesses, charities and community groups to be part of the programme, helping them not just survive, but thrive."
