Armed Forces Day - June 2026
Helmsdale has very successfully hosted the Sutherland Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony and Veterans' lunch for the first time. The sun shone as veterans and members of the public from across the county gathered at the Kildonan Parish War Memorial to mark Armed Forces Day.
Mike Ellis, chair of the local RBLS branch welcomed everyone to Helmsdale, then Craig Simpson raised the Armed Forces Day flag beside the Kildonan Parish War Memorial. The Lord-Lieutenant gave a short speech on the debt that we owe to our Armed Forces, past and present, and on the origin of Armed Forces Day. He said "To Adam Smith is ascribed the words “The first duty of any state is to protect society”. In order to do this you need capable Armed Forces - and much else - the body of men and women - and their families - that we are showing our support to today."
Penny Kane then spoke about the Kildonan Parish War Memorial and those from the area who serve and have served. The Lord-Lieutenant then made an award of one of his specially commissioned coasters to Caroline McMorran in recognition of the work that she does on behalf of all of our communities. General Marriott then gave a vote of thanks to those who organised and supported the marking of this year's Armed Forces Day.
After the service a Veteran's lunch was held, organised by Friends of Sutherland Veterans. A special mention should go to Sutherland Schools Pipe Band who played for the event. It was the first event in uniform for some of those attending and we wish the whole band all the best going forward.
The Lord-Lieutenant commented "The ceremony was an utter triumph for the organising team led by Catriona Whitfield DL and Mike Ellis. Ably supported by the Helmsdale Legion Branch and Community Council, I cannot thank them all enough. Praise too to the Sutherland Schools Pipe Band who played perfectly and looked immaculate on a perfect June day”.
“To present Caroline McMorran of the Northern Times with a coaster was very special. She has worked tirelessly, and always fairly, to publicise so many examples of “what good looks like” in Sutherland that the Lieutenancy seeks to encourage and nurture.”
Guardsman Reynolds Commemoration - June 2026
On Sunday 14 June Jonathan Brett Young MBE DL represented the Lord-Lieutenant at a commemorative service for Guardsman Jim Reynolds DCM at Sallachy. Guardsman Reynolds was killed on 14 June 1982 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards during the battle of Tumbledown Ridge on the Falkland Islands. A memorial to him was erected in 1983 by the the then Lieutenant, now Major-General, Alastair Bruce of Crionaich; Guardsman Reynolds was serving as his orderly at the time of the war. The event was organised by Mr Roderick Davidson, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Highlands and Islands Branch of the Scot’s Guards Association.
The Sutherland Lieutenancy is hoping to add the memorial to its list of “special memorials” which are commemorated through Lieutenancy led events every five years.
King's Birthday Honours - June 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant and the whole Lieutenancy team are delighted to congratulate David MacAskill, coxswain of the Lochinver lifeboat and a Deputy Lieutenant for Sutherland, on being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the King's Birthday Honours.
“The award of the MBE to David MacAskill is richly deserved. For over twenty years he has been a superb and courageous coxswain for the RNLI lifeboat at Lochinver. David is a passionate, diligent and selfless leader. He inspires. His dedication and sense of duty is exemplary. His name is synonymous with service. But David has also served the community of Lochinver more widely too. A skilled and thoughtful mechanic, he has run the sole garage in Lochinver and, annually, plays a leading part with the Assynt Tractor Rally which has raised for charity around £10,000 every year for the last four years. Over the years he has been fireman and coastguard too. As a recognition of his service and standing in the north west of Sutherland, he was made a Deputy Lieutenant in 2024.”
Lieutenancy tea party - May 2026
On the last Saturday in May the Lord-Lieutenant and his team held a tea party to say thank you to the volunteer groups who plant and maintain the glorious flower displays of the towns and villages across Sutherland.
Guests spent the afternoon at Littleferry, catching up with friends, listening to music kindly provided by the Dornoch Firth Junior Band, enjoying afternoon tea and watching the youngest band member fire the Lord-Lieutenant's cannon, albeit from under the shelter of an umbrella. Whilst welcoming those present, the Lord-Lieutenant said "You all have things in common – you dedicate a lot of time, effort, thought and energy to growing and gardening, so we thought it would be a nice opportunity to thank you all for what you do for your communities, and for making Sutherland a brighter place.”
The Lord-Lieutenant also took the opportunity to present three of his specially commissioned Highland Stoneware coasters (showing the county flower - the Grass of Parnassus) to members of the Lieutenancy team who have worked on the various visits to the County over the past year by His Majesty the King, by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne and by HMS Sutherland.
The Lieutenancy team would like to thank all who attended, played, baked and otherwise assisted in making it a wonderful afternoon.
85th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Hood - May 2026
At the request of Jonathan Brett Young MBE DL, the white ensign was raised to half mast at Loch Fleet to mark 85 years since the sinking of HMS Hood. The flag used was presented to the Lord-Lieutenant by the Captain of HMS Sutherland earlier this year. On 24 May 1941 1,415 officers and men lost their lives when HMS Hood was sunk in the Denmark Strait by the German battleship Bismarck. There were three survivors, the last of whom, Ted Briggs, died in 2008.
HMS Hood was famous worldwide and epitomised the Royal Navy between the wars. Her connection to Sutherland is through her frequent visits to Loch Eriboll. In 1934 and 1935 crew members, using stones, marked out “HMS Hood” on the hillside west of Loch Eriboll. For many years the stones were maintained and painted white by schoolchildren and visiting ships. Plans are in place for the stones to be refurbished again in due course.
10th anniversary of Rogart's 'Coffee and Blether' - May 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant visited the Rogart's 'Coffee and Blether' group as it celebrated its' 10th birthday. Over the last decade Rogart’s “Coffee and Blether” has raised over £4000 for local charities and other organisations. The group first met on 16 May 2016 and the organising team has changed a little from then but Madeleine Seaby, Maureen Young and Monica Maclean are still there from the founding originals. The current team also includes Carol Grant, Diane Hull, Linda Bremner and Maggie Jameson.
The Lord-Lieutenant congratulated everyone on the anniversary and then, using his sword, and together with Madeleine Seaby and Monica Maclean, a celebratory cake was cut.
“Groups such as these do the most amazing things across Sutherland. Not only do they raise funds for good, local causes but they also provide a vital forum for folk to gather, to enjoy each others’ company and to put minds to rest. Long may Rogart’s ‘Coffee and Blether’ continue!” The group meets on the third Thursday of every month except January.
HRH The Princess Royal visits Dornoch - May 2026
It was a wet but happy morning when HRH The Princess Royal visited Dornoch Cathedral and Green as part of the celebrations of "1,000 years of service", focussing on charitable and volunteer groups. On arrival Pipe Major Willie Fraser played as the Princess Royal was met by the Lord-Lieutenant, Major-General Patrick Marriott CB CBE, who introduced her to local dignitaries including: Jim McGillivray (former Highland Councillor), Alan Fleming (UHI), Vice Lord-Lieutenant Kim Tulloch and Provost of Dornoch (and chair of Dornoch Area Community Council) Cath McAngus.
As she entered the Cathedral the Princess Royal was introduced by the Provost to other members of Dornoch Area Community Council and also to Rev Carol Anne Porter, Minister of the Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland. Playing inside the Cathedral for the visit was the Dornoch Firth Junior Band who performed the Skye Boat Song beautifully. The Princess Royal met members of the Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland, representatives of other churches in the area and also Graham McCarthy and the children of the Dornoch Firth Junior Band.
After signing the Cathedral Visitor Book and unveiling a plaque, the visit group exited the Cathedral as Dornoch Pipe Band played. The Princess Royal then met members of Dornoch Pipe Band; Sarah Whealing who co-ordinates the Dornoch Market; representatives of East Sutherland Rescue Association; representatives of the various Dornoch Community Interest Groups; trustees, staff and young curators from Historylinks; volunteers from Dornoch Beach Wheelchairs; as well as a group representing volunteers from the Community Gardens, Dornoch Firth Men's Shed, St Finbar's Charity Shop, the Highland Hospice Charity Shop, the Royal Dornoch Golf Club charity giving scheme, Dornoch FibreFest and Pictora. The Princess Royal’s visit ended with the presentation of posies and a chat with pupils from Dornoch Academy.
A huge thank you to everyone who agreed to be presented and who assisted behind the scenes and also to everyone who turned out to support the town in the hosting of the Princess Royal.
All photograph credits and copyright are John Wright Studio.
Reay Forest Estate Open Day - April 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant (pictured with Ben Mardall and Laura Tebay) attended the bi-annual Reay Forest Estate Open Day at Achfary, designed to explain the workings of a modern sporting estate, its aims and achievements. Stands for hospitality, sustainable forest management, salmon and river conservation, environmental enhancement, deer management, fleet management, property maintenance and gardening all demonstrated the breadth of work and careers open to those interested in rural employment.
The Flow Country Partnership and the North West Highland Geopark had stands - as did Countryside Learning Scotland (CLS), manned by its Chief Executive Ian Robertson. CLS is a multi award winning education charity whose “passion is the transformative effect rural careers can have on young peoples mental health and employability, and the strengthening impact it provides our rural communities and economy.” It recently launched the Rural Employability Scheme, a two year structured programme designed to help school leavers transition from school and work in rural careers.
Scourie War Memorial's 100th anniversary - April 2026
A commemorative service has taken place to mark 100 years since the unveiling of the Scourie War Memorial. The event was organised by Neil Macdonald DL (Chair of Scourie Community Development Company). Wreaths were laid by the Lord-Lieutenant and on behalf of Scourie Community Council by Innes Macdonald. The Rev Iain Macleod led the prayers and read Psalm 23, Andy Mackenzie read the Ode, the piper was Aaron Macdonald, a third generation of piper from the same family. To conclude, Neil Macdonald read a poem written by the late Sandy Macdonald-Cheeseman.
The day also marked the 111th anniversary of “ANZAC Day”, the day marked by Australians and New Zealanders as their nations “came of age” fighting at Gallipoli in 1915. There is one New Zealander on the Scourie Memorial, Private Donald Morrison, killed fighting in France whilst serving with with the 1st Battalion, the Auckland Regiment. His next of kin was his brother, C Morrison of Scourie - hence his name on the Scourie Memorial.
85th anniversary of Avro Anson crash at Ben More Assynt - April 2026
Following the commemoration at the memorial in Inchnadamph on Saturday 18 April, members of the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team ventured up to the granite memorial stone by the grave on the slopes of Ben More Assynt and laid a second wreath.
The team, together with the Dundonnel team, has a long association with the grave of the crew of the Avro Anson which crashed there in 1941. Both teams assisted in the placing of the granite memorial when it was put in place by the RAF and the Commonwealth War Graves team in 2013.
The wreath that was placed on Saturday was hand made of biodegradable materials by Sonja Brown, a member of the Assynt team.
85th anniversary of Avro Anson crash at Ben More Assynt - April 2026
A commemoration to mark the 85th anniversary of the loss of Avro Anson N9857 has taken place at Inchnadamph. The aircraft crashed into Ben More Assynt during a snow storm on 13 April 1941 whilst on a training mission. Today the site is marked on the mountain by a granite memorial. Over 100 attended including representatives from the Sutherland Lieutenancy, the Ross & Cromarty Lieutenancy, RAF (RAF Lossiemouth), Royal British Legion Branches (Ullapool, Lochinver and Golspie), 2489 (Bridge of Don) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Assynt MRT.
The event was organised by the Sutherland Special Memorials and Graves Project, set up by the Lieutenancy to ensure the continuity of commemoration and maintenance of special memorials and graves in Sutherland. The Assynt MRT provided considerable support to the event and The Explorers Lodge, Inchnadamph, provided refreshments afterwards.
Anniversary of the Battle of Littleferry - April 2026
The 280th anniversary of the Battle of Littleferry (15th April 1746) was commemorated at the Battlefield Memorial near Golspie. Organised by the Golspie Heritage Society, led by its Chair, Val Ross, supported by Kenny Macaulay and many others. Wreaths were laid by the Lord-Lieutenant, Alastair Miller (on behalf of the Golspie Community), and Doctor Lady Elizabeth Costin and Sally Low on behalf of descendants who fought at Littleferry. The Revd James Currall led the prayers, Stuart Robertson played the lament and April Sutherland played the tune, “The Battle of Littleferry” which she wrote in 2022 for the dedication of the memorial. Both the Sutherland Caledonian and Sutherland Schools Pipe Bands played at the commemoration.
The memorial is one of only two memorials in Scotland specifically dedicated to those who fought on both sides, the other being at Castle Leod which is dedicated to Mackenzies of all “allegiances”. The current Earl and Countess of Cromartie, who erected that memorial attended the ceremony at Golspie.
SSAFA Golf Day at Royal Dornoch - April 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant attended a Golf Day at the Royal Dornoch Golf Club in aid of the charity, The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Airmens’ and Families Association (SSAFA). The event was organized by the Sutherland Branch of SSAFA, led by its Chair, William Sutherland, and ably helped by SSAFA volunteers from across the county. Both National and Regional SSAFA staff provided vital support; the SSAFA CEO, Air Marshal Steve Shell and trustee, Lady Alex Walmsley also attending. The event attracted 58 golfers from all over the UK and raised an extraordinary over £20,000 for SSAFA, the largest single sum ever raised by a SSAFA branch in Scotland at one event.
The Lord-Lieutenant thanked SSAFA for the “superb service they provide to both serving and retired servicemen and women in Sutherland - and their families”. He also praised the Royal Dornoch Golf Club for hosting the event in great style and for their considerable kindness in providing the course to the charity for the day.
HMS Sutherland Charity Run team reach Land's End - March 2026
The whole Lieutenancy team send their congratulations to the 'Bobby Sailors' on completing their JoGLE charity run, raising funds for mental health charities (video clip in comments). As this posts they have raised over £10,900 during their gruelling 20 day run. The team comprised two members of HMS Sutherland's crew together with their colleague from HMNB Devonport and a retired colleague as support driver; they ran in excess of 875 miles over 20 days, averaging over 40 miles per day.
As they reached Cornwall the team received a shout out from the First Sea Lord on X, which recognised the incredible team work that had gone into both the planning and execution of the challenge. The Lord-Lieutenant sent his own congratulations "You made it! Huge congratulations on a truly amazing achievement. The fortitude of the Royal Navy is surely alive and well! What a great example to everyone; at times of so many muddles and such sadness, a fine and generous venture shines a goodly light - BZ."
Lieutenant Colonel W H A Anderson VC, Invershin cemetery - March 2026
As part of the Sutherland Lieutenancy’s project involving special memorials and graves throughout the county, a short remembrance was held at Invershin cemetery on 25 March 2026, the anniversary of his death in 1917 for Lieutenant Colonel W H A Anderson VC.
Deputy Lieutenant Christine Mackay began by reading from St John’s gospel after which Lieutenant Colonel Colin Gilmour, great nephew, gave the background to Colonel Anderson’s last battle and the citation for his resulting Victoria Cross which was received by his widow, Gertrude, from King George V on 31 May 1918. Flowers and crosses were laid by family present, including great niece Susan Sewell, and the short ceremony ended with readings from Binyon, Kohima and a prayer.
ESRA KAVS award presented - March 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant was delighted to present the King's Award for Voluntary Service to the East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) at a special reception in Dornoch. Members of the ESRA crew, their families, supporters and members of the Lieutenancy attended the reception at the Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Vice Chair of ESRA, Chris Minty welcomed those attending, then the Lord-Lieutenant spoke about ESRA, the King's Award for Voluntary Service and read some excerpts from the assessment and citation completed by the Lieutenancy team during the course of ESRA's assessment under the KAVS scheme. General Marriott concluded with some words by John Buchan on the subject of Leadership before handing over the actual award and the certificate from His Majesty the King. Thereafter ESRA Chair, Antony Hope, expressed his thanks to all involved in ESRA before Honorary President, Neil Dalton, proposed toasts to both His Majesty and ESRA.
Photograph: John Wright Studio
HMS Sutherland Charity Run - March 2026
Monday 9 March saw the start of the John o'Groats to Lands end charity run by members of HMS Sutherland's crew together with their colleague from HMNB Devonport and a retired colleague as support driver; raising funds for mental health charities. Day 1 saw them complete a gruelling 52 miles from John o'Groats to Helmsdale where they were hosted overnight by members of the Lieutenancy team. Day 2 was a more gentle but still massive 32 miles and tonight they are again being hosted by the Lieutenancy. On their way south the team met the Lord-Lieutenant and veteran David Hignett of RBLS Golspie by the Golspie War Memorial. Benefitting from the funds raised by the team are: mental health charities Man Down UK and Bigmoose; Hatty’s Fund which provides instruments for young musicians in Somerset; and the Royal Navy’s principal good cause, the RNRMC.
If you encounter them as they run, please do offer them encouragement and support. If you are in a position to sponsor them they would really appreciate it, donations can be made through the following link - www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/duncan-fraser-1
Cherry Trees from Japan, Brora planting - March 2026
Dawn McKenzie DL joined others from Brora, including husband Ian, to plant six trees gifted to Sutherland through the Sakura Cherry Tree Project. The trees have been planted from the south end entrance to the village, following the A9 through the village to the new Heritage centre. The hope is that there will be a beautiful ribbon of pink blossom through the village in the future. Six trees were planted in Dornoch at the end of last year.
The twelve trees gifted to Sutherland are some of over 8,000 Japanese cherry trees (‘Sakura’ in Japanese) given to the UK by Japan, and planted across the country in parks, gardens and schools to celebrate Japan’s relationship with the UK. The project is a legacy from the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2021, which aimed to showcase Japan’s multifaceted attractions in the UK. The gift of these trees enables people to learn more about Japan, its culture and traditions. #sakuraproject
Sutherland Men's Sheds - February 2026
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) is celebrating reaching over 5,000 members, a landmark achievement for the growing movement. Two recent new members include Patrick Marriott, the Lord-Lieutenant for Sutherland and one of his deputies, John Green, former Chaplain to the Fleet.
The Lord-Lieutenant met recently with Ross Murray, SMSA Development Officer for the Highlands & Islands to discuss Sheds within the County. Sutherland has a growing number of Men’s Sheds: ones already established in Dornoch, the Kyle of Sutherland and with ones in development in other areas of the county as well. The Lord-Lieutenant (who previously chaired the Scottish Committee of CombatStress, a leading mental health charity for veterans) explained: “I am a keen supporter of Men’s Sheds, primarily as I’ve seen first hand how they can transform the lives of veterans. The companionship and creativity that they engender is wonderful to see. Both Sheds I visited recently, are thriving—the Kyle of Sutherland Shed having 30–40 regular members is superb!”
Flower Thomson DL - February 2026
The Lieutenancy team were very saddened to hear of the recent death of Flower Thompson DL of Golspie. Born in the County, Flower trained as a nurse and was for many years the manager of Seaforth House in Golspie. She was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Sutherland in 1999 and gave many years of unstinting service. Flower was married to her late husband George for over 60 years and together they delighted in their loving family of children and grandchildren.
The Lord-Lieutenant spoke on behalf of the Lieutenancy team: “Flower will be very much missed by everyone in the Sutherland Lieutenancy and, of course, by those that she served so will in Golspie and beyond. She was a stalwart supporter of Veterans and it was her idea, energy and dogged determination that created the Friends of Sutherland Veterans over a decade ago. She was a model of generosity and kindness to us all and she most certainly understood the concepts of both ‘community’ and ‘service’.”
Visit to the Kyle Centre, Tongue - January 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant visited the Kyle Centre in Tongue for lunch at on Thursday 29th, General Marriott was, as usual, in great spirits and entertained the community diners. His companions in the photograph are Dr Marion Macdougall, Chair of North Coast Connection which runs the Kyle Centre on the left and Jean Maclean, a long time volunteer befriender.
Further information about the Kyle Centre and North Coast Connection at www.northcoastconnection.org.uk
Kyle of Sutherland Men's Shed visit - January 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant visited the Kyle of Sutherland (KoS) Men's Shed at work in Ardgay on 28 January. The KoS Men's Shed has 30-40 members and meets weekly on Wednesday mornings and is keen to attract new members.
General Marriott commented "I am a keen supporter of Mens’ Sheds and have seen the sometimes transformative effect they have on many lives. I think the combination of companionship and creativity delivered by these sheds is remarkably special. I am very keen to encourage and help the establishment of more sheds in Sutherland. I would encourage folk to visit the KoS Mens’ Shed as a great example of ‘what good looks like’. Alternatively, do contact them at chair@kosmshed.org"
Neil Dalton MBE investiture - January 2026
Neil Dalton of the East Sutherland Rescue Association is pictured after receiving his MBE during an investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Wednesday 21 January.
Neil was awarded his MBE in last year's King’s Birthday Honours for services to the community in East Sutherland. He was a founding member of ESRA in 1982, serving for over 40 years (so far), including 11 years as Chair. See last post of June 2025 for further detail.
Photograph: Lorna Dalton
New Year's Day wreath laying at Clyne War Memorial - January 2026
Dawn McKenzie DL joined the new Chair of Friends of Clyne War Memorial - Angus Millar, piper Danny Parkin, the Mackintosh family and members of the Brora community on the anniversary of the dedication of the Clyne War Memorial in order to lay a wreath in remembrance of those who died in past conflicts. Mr Millar welcomed everyone and paid tribute to the sterling service of the late Jim Cunningham who had been Keeper of the Clock since 1995 and committee member since the 2012 formation of FoCWM. He then welcomed the Mackintosh family, who laid the wreath on behalf of the community as the family of Lieutenant David Lonie Mackintosh, named on the memorial. Lt Mackintosh, 7th Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders, died in the fighting at Caen on June 29 1944 - nine days before the birth of his only child.
Photograph: Sandy Sutherland/ Friends of Clyne War Memorial
New Year's Honours - January 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant and the Sutherland Lieutenancy team would wish to congratulate Mrs Frances Gunn DL, Mr Alistair Risk (Brora) and Major Alisdair Miller (Golspie) on being awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honours.
“The award of three MBEs in one list is an extraordinary achievement for Sutherland. It is perhaps a “first” for the county to have so many MBEs on a single list. It reflects well the amazing works enacted by Frances Gunn, Alistair Risk and Alasdair Miller. But it also, in my view, is a great demonstration of the sense of service that has been, and continues to be shown, by the people of Sutherland out of all proportion to their number.” Such awards are national recognition for exceptional service. All three of these awards are for “service”, the action of doing or helping someone other than oneself.
Mrs Frances Gunn DL is awarded her MBE as “Chair, Flow Country World Heritage Site Steering Group, for services to heritage and the community in Sutherland”. Frances has led and worked tirelessly and selflessly for the people of north Sutherland for upwards of forty years. She has been involved in numerous projects, including the creation of the North Coast Leisure Centre and the Strathnaver Museum. “Always self-effacing, and attributing her many successes to others, Frances has gently encouraged and led on more initiatives than can be properly counted. She is also a superb DL whose judgement is flawless. She is much loved by her very many friends. This award will give a great deal of pleasure to so, so many.”
Mr Alistair Risk is awarded his MBE for his exceptional services to charity over very many years. Over the past decade alone he has voluntarily raised well over £500,000 for a range of charities both local and international. Some estimates put this figure as high as £750,000. The duration of his commitment is extraordinary too: he has now been fund-raising for 55 years, latterly being seriously ill and with permanently failing eyesight. The span of his service is similarly remarkable. Rotary apart (where he has held appointments up to international level), he raises funds for youth ventures, fetes, golf clubs, churches various, heritage, performing arts, combatting polio and much more. During the last couple of years he has, on two occasions camped out in wintry conditions to raise funds for Ukraine and for victims of the 2023 Turkish earthquake. “Alistair is unique; he is something of a pocket dynamo and I admire him hugely. He is utterly tireless, doggedly persistent and his kindness knows no bounds. This award is truly for a lifetime of service. Supported always by Fiona, his amazing wife, I am thrilled that he has been rewarded with this award”.
Major Alisdair Miller is awarded the MBE for services to the community in Sutherland. His voluntary work for the charity, the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmens’ Families Association (SSAFA) is exceptional and probably occupies at least one or two working days every week. As well as his fund-raising, he is a caseworker for SSAFA. On average a case might take a day a week for one or two months. In August 2024 he was awarded a “Long Service Award” for ten years’ service to SSAFA. In addition he has been a passionate fundraiser for many other causes and over many years. He is a longstanding member of the Rotary Club of East Sutherland and became the Chairman of the Golspie Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland in 2023 - yet another busy role, meeting weekly and running two (sometimes more) major commemorations in Sutherland each year. “Alisdair is one of nature’s greats. He is unassuming and hugely generous with his time and work. He is a selfless man whose work for SSAFA in particular has been extraordinary. But he is a man who never says “no” when asked to help any good cause. Taken together with his current role as Chairman of the Golspie Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, his service to veterans in Sutherland and Caithness, is superb.”