Buckie’s Roots hail cash boost at the double as local running duo back award-winning group
A 10k race has proved to be a three-figure cash boost for a group of award-winning volunteers.
Buckie’s Roots have, for the past seven years, worked tirelessly to keep Cluny Square in the town looking beautiful with a wide array of colourful flowers and plants.
They have also expanded their activities to other areas of Buckie, including undertaking litter picks.
Their efforts have received a welcome cash boost thanks to the efforts of two ladies - Pauline Richards and her son Jonathan’s girlfriend, Stacey Lawrie, who got their running shoes on to tackle the Aviemore 10k race on October 5. Jonathan himself was also meant to be joining them in the race, but an injury meant it was down to girl power to raise a creditable £365 for Buckie’s Roots.
Admiration for the work of the group and the transformation they have wrought since their formation in 2018 was to be the inspiration behind the fundraiser, with the cash being raised through a JustGiving page.
Pauline explained: “I started running again last January to try and get fit and I thought I’d motivate motivate myself by doing some fundraising.
“My late mum was a keen gardener, and I like it, too so I can appreciate just how much Buckie’s Roots have done and continue to do to keep the place looking gorgeous.
“Mu would’ve loved what they do.
“They do so much work, including litter picking, too and they’re all volunteers.
“Buckie’s Roots can sometimes be forgotten a bit when it comes to fundraising so it was great to be able to support them.”
Pauline had entered the Aviemore 10k 13 years ago, although the route had since changed, adding an extra challenge into the mix in the shape of an uphill finish.
She added: “It was a beautiful day, though and the scenery was spectacular.”
More fundraising for Buckie’s Roots might be on the cards as Pauline contemplates the Aviemore half marathon in March.
Welcoming the boost to the group’s coffers, Buckie Roots chairperson Meg Jamieson said: “We were delighted when Pauline contacted us about the race.
“She is a great supporter of Buckie’s Roots and we know the amount of training these two ladies did before taking on this race at Aviemore. This donation will help us replant the two towers with flowers which we lost two years ago. Sustainability is very important to Buckie’s Roots and we will be able to replace the perennial plants with this donation.
“We are very lucky that we have great support from the community. We see this through our collection boxes in local businesses and the support we receive at our events. This year our charity gala enabled 16 charities to raise much needed funds. The car show also generated funds for us.”
With the festive season comes a busy time for Buckie’s Roots. They are set to have a table in the Episcopal Church hall during the Buckie Christmas Kracker on November 15 offering affordable gifts for sale along with a lucky dip and message baubles for the community Christmas Trees. The latter will feature during the group’s Candles in the Square event on December 18.
Beginning with a candlelit procession, the service will then see members of the public invited to join in with Buckie Community Choir and local schoolchildren in singing festive songs.
Meg added: “We have had a good year but none of it would happen without our volunteers and the support of our community.”
Earlier this year saw Buckie’s Roots awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is equivalent to an MBE in the royal honours list.
For more on the Buckie’s Roots, and to become a volunteer, visit the group’s Facebook page.