Going above and beyond in Banff and Macduff
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Two very handsome awards for outstanding service to community have been presented by the Banff and Macduff Community Council.
One was given to Ian Hardy from Banff, while the other went to the Macduff Heritage Society
Stanley West accepted the quaich on behalf of the heritage society.
It follows the society's highly successful exhibition last year of photos and memorabilia associated with the town.
Such were the number of both exhibits and visitors the event ran for six weeks .
Stanley said: "We want to thank everyone who donated items and who came along.
"It would have been impossible to stage it without them."
The exhibits changed completely every fortnight to focus on different elements of the town's past, such as boat building, fishing and the annual galas held from 1950-1961.
A similar show, featuring sportspeople from the town, wasn't able to go ahead this year due to the pandemic, but it's ready to be staged next year.
Ian received the other quaich for both his work with the community council and Banff in Bloom.
The former food consultant stepped down from both posts in August.
His 14 years with the council witnessed a healthy increase in members.
They also saw a number of improvements to the local area, including the Wrack Woods footpath and the repositioning of the drinking fountain in Crook O'Ness Street.
Ian helped set up Banff in Bloom a dozen years ago following a visit to France.
He said: "We were holidaying in a little town and saw how nice it had been made to look with hanging baskets and tubs everywhere.
"I thought, 'why can't we do something similar in Banff?'
"A number of people have helped with Banff in Bloom over the years. Hopefully, others will continue to offer their services in the future.
"Anyway, I'm very honoured to receive the quaich."
Rab McArthur from the community council said: "These awards are for the wonderful work done by people in the two towns.
"It's very important for us as a council to celebrate that, especially now.
"So many people have done so much since the pandemic began it's a shame we only have one award to hand to each town.
"But the truth is we'd have required a whole awards night to honour everyone who deserves recognition – and that's obviously not possible right now."
