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MBE joy for north-east man after more than 70 years with Boys’ Brigade

James Muirhead MBE.
James Muirhead MBE.

Such is James Muirhead’s love of the Boys’ Brigade that even the army could not get in the way of him serving with a troop – even if it was more than 600 miles away from home.

The 81-year-old – known locally as Jim – has been involved with the Boys’ Brigade (BB) since he was eight years old and has, since 1944, travelled the length and breadth of the country to help out where he can.

Even a two-year stint with the army during his national service could not interrupt his participation in the group.

And despite being a long way from his home in Fraserburgh at the time, Mr Muirhead had no second thoughts about lending a hand with the BBs in Dover.

Recognising this dedication, he was made an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours in December.

He collected his medal last week in what he described as being the “icing on the cake” of his time so far with the BBs.

The award came following the group’s Buchan Battalion naming Mr Muirhead as a life-long member for his service to the cause.

From his home last night, he said: “It’s been the icing on the cake of it all.

“I’ve been all over the place with the BBs and it was an honour to accept this. It really humbles a person.”

Through his time with the BBs, which offers children between the ages of five and 18 volunteering opportunities and training programmes, Mr Muirhead has travelled as far north as Lerwick and as far west as Stornoway.

He added: “I’ve kept up with the Brigade through it all, and at the last annual general meeting I was made a life member of the Buchan Battalion.

“It’s been a long time and I’m very proud of what I’ve done.

“There was a few of us – 71 – down to collect awards.

“It was a chance to meet people from all walks of life – people who were being knighted or who were moving up in their ranks. It’s something that’ll stick in my mind for years and years to come.”

Mr Muirhead is still active today within the BBs as a reserve officer and attends meetings each week to help where he can.

He had twice tried to retire from the group but has always come back selflessly to make sure the organisation continues to operate.

Most recently, he offered his help to get St Combs’ BBs company off the ground.

He has also previously served as the secretary of Fraserburgh’s amateur football association.

His wife, Patricia, has also been heavily involved with the group.

She recently retired from the Girls’ Brigade after 36 years of service.

The couple now volunteer regularly together at the Old Parish Church in Fraserburgh.

Close friend and former president of the brigade’s Buchan Battalion, Michael Strachan, said he was “delighted” to hear of Mr Muirhead’s continued success.

He said: “Many years ago Jim said that he had met many people through the Boys’ Brigade, but the one he would really have liked to meet was the Queen.

“I’m delighted that his years of dedicated service has made this happen with the award of his MBE.”