Parliamentary recognition for former Huntly Express journalist Pat Scott
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Gordon MP Richard Thomson has tabled a Motion in the House of Commons recognising the long service Pat Scott has given to Huntly and district during her 44 years at the Huntly Express.
Pat stepped down from her position at the end of last month after more than four decades with the local newspaper but intends to remain involved with community affairs, notably the Huntly Hairst, which she chairs.
Mr Thomson said: “This is somewhat of an end of an era for the Huntly Express and, indeed, Huntly itself.
"Pat has been the public face of the local newspaper for many years and has been embedded in the community during that time, helping make the Huntly Express a trusted local news source.
“However, all good things come to an end and it’s understandable that Pat wishes to take a step back after so long at the helm.
"I’m pleased Huntly won’t be losing Pat’s talents completely and understand that the excellent Huntly Hairst will continue to benefit from her leadership.
“I wish both Pat and the Huntly Express all the very best going forward.”
The text of the Motion tabled by Richard Thomson reads:
"That this House notes Pat Scott is retiring as Chief Reporter with Highland News and Media, having served as Editor of the Huntly Express; understands that Pat joined the Huntly Express in 1978 and has reported on Huntly and district diligently since that time; notes that Pat has worked for four different owners of the newspaper and in five different locations over the past 44 years; commends the unstinting support the Huntly Express has given its local community over the years under Pat’s leadership; and wishes Pat well in her retirement from journalism but understands she will continue to be involved in community events, notable the Huntly Hairst."
Meanwhile, Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett has asked the Scottish Parliament to congratulate Mrs Scott.
Mr Burnett described Pat as an inspiration to Huntly whose work for the community will be remembered for years to come.
He said: “Pat’s diligent reporting and tireless enthusiasm in supporting local causes and charities is an inspiration to us all.
“She has made a tremendous contribution to Huntly and the surrounding area which will be remembered for years to come.
“People like Pat form the heartbeat of our community and I was honoured to recognise her decades of exceptional service by congratulating her in the Scottish Parliament.
“She will always be the face of the Huntly Express and I wish her a happy retirement and the very best for what the future holds.”
Mr Burnett's motion reads:
"That the Parliament commends Pat Scott from Huntly, Aberdeenshire upon her retirement after 44 years working for the Huntly Express; understands that she began working for the paper in 1978 at the age of 20 after graduating from the University of Aberdeen with a Master of Arts in English and Psychology; further understands that Pat is well-respected by all in the community of Huntly for her diligent reporting and tireless enthusiasm in supporting local causes and charities, attending and promoting local events and always ensuring that achievements by individuals and groups in the community were celebrated in the paper; acknowledges what it sees as the tremendous contribution she has made to the local community and the gratitude felt towards her by the local community; further understands that she will continue to be active in the community as chairperson of the annual Huntly Hairst harvest festival; commends Pat on her decades of exceptional service and hope she enjoys more precious time with her granddaughter during her retirement."
