Tributes have been paid to a community stalwart who was last year given a Queen’s honour for volunteering.
Peter Nicol MBE, 83, from Aboyne, passed away after a lifetime of helping stage Aboyne Highland Games.
Mr Nicol first became involved in the event when he was just 12, selling programmes at the Deeside celebration of traditional Highlands sport and culture.
He served on the games committee for 50 years and was also secretary of Grampian Games Association.
In June 2017, he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours for services to the Highland Games, the economy and voluntary services in the north of Scotland.
At the time, Mr Nicol said he was “over the moon” with the accolade, adding: “I was very surprised, but it was a very pleasant surprise all the same. The event is part and parcel of the north-east.”
During his working life, Mr Nicol was a cross-country skiing instructor in the 1980s and also worked as magician and entertainer.
Aboyne Highland Games secretary Morag McBeath said: “We were all shocked to hear of Peter’s death. He was a true gentleman who will be sorely missed by many.
“We were all privileged to have had Peter Nicol MBE as part of our committee for 50 years.
“He stood down from the full committee in 2014 and was made an honorary member of the committee, which he was extremely proud of.
“Even though he had stood down, he was always around to assist where he could.”
In 2017, he received with the Scottish Highland Games Association award for services to Highland Games.
He was presented with the award itself at the Aboyne 150th anniversary games in August this year.
Mr Nicol, who passed away on September 14, is survived by wife Helen, children Mandy and Kenny and grandson James.
His funeral took place yesterday, with donations invited at the door for Grampian Games Association.
