The Duke of Gloucester heard firsthand about the efforts to regenerate Fraserburgh today.
Prince Richard – the late Queen’s cousin – was in the Broch to find out more about some of the projects bringing life back into the town.
He also paid a visit to the renowned Scottish Lighthouse Museum and examined artefacts of national significance, while also hearing about the lasting impact Storm Arwen had on the area.
Among the jobs of the day, however, was to present the Invercairn Gala Committee with their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QARS).
The group’s efforts have allowed them to award £250,000 to good causes, and today volunteer, Hannah Gray and vice-chair, David McRobbie were delighted to receive the accolade.
Mr McRobbie said: “We’re extremely honoured to be receive the award. It’s always good to be recognised and to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest honour an organisation like ourselves so we’re pretty humbled.”
Kinnaird Head lighthouse visit
The duke also heard about the damage Storm Arwen caused to the Scottish Lighthouse Museum during his tour. This included the storage facility, which houses some 30,000 items from across the country.
Fraserburgh Heritage Centre director and secretary Chris Reid also shared her experience of the storm with HRH and said his visit was “excellent, absolutely excellent”.
The museum’s roof was destroyed and much of the collection had to be dried out and stored, however many irreplaceable items were destroyed.
Mrs Reid added: “I’m delighted that the duke took such a long time to look at the photographs and understand what we have lost. A huge community effort will be required when we get a roof on. Keep watching this space for a roof.”
Regeneration efforts
After his visit at the lighthouse, the duke headed into the town centre to see the acclaimed Faithlie Centre, which is one of the focal points of the award-winning Fraserburgh 2021 regeneration programme.
The B-listed baroque building which housed the council chambers and the former police station, now houses Aberdeenshire Council’s service point, registrar and the Fraserburgh Enterprise Hub, which supports start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the town.
He also made his way along the high street to see the properties which have benefited from traditional shopfront investment, including Nooks and Crannies tearoom on Cross Street, which is run by Lynne Gillan and Malcolm Watson.
There was also a visit to the John Trail Hotel, which is currently being developed by the North East Scotland Preservation Trust and the Glover Garden commemorating the birthplace of one of Fraserburgh’s most famous sons, Thomas Blake Glover.
The final stop was at the port itself where HRH saw first-hand the Moray East Project – Ocean Winds control centre, which has views of the harbour.
‘The local community is rightfully proud of all that has been achieved’
Speaking after the visit, Aberdeenshire Provost Judy Whyte said: “It was a great privilege to welcome The Duke of Gloucester to Fraserburgh today where we were able to highlight many of the town’s cultural, heritage and regeneration initiatives.
“It was a pleasure to show His Royal Highness the collection at the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and the key regeneration and conservation projects which have been completed as part of our Fraserburgh 2021 programme.
“From a complete refurbishment of the Faithlie Centre to the creation of a garden in memory of one of Fraserburgh’s most famous sons, the local community is rightfully proud of all that has been achieved over the past few years and the ongoing work in the Broch.”
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