Moray volunteers have been presented with a special medal recognising their support of the country’s armed forces veterans.
The Erskine charity handed out just 100 of the gongs to celebrate its centenary this year, and one made its way into the hands of a group of Portgordon residents.
The Portgordon Post community newsletter has rallied around military causes since it was formed in 2013.
A small but dedicated group of volunteers in the coastal village have worked tirelessly to raise money for worthy causes which help support veterans.
They have ploughed hundreds into Poppy Scotland and the Royal British Legion, as well as Erskine.
Group leader Pringle George recently showed off the framed medal and spoke of her pride at being awarded it.
She said: “Portgordon is such a small place, so for us to be mentioned as one of the ‘100 heroes’ chosen by Erskine really means a lot.
“We have done a lot of different things, like crocheting poppies for people to wear at Remembrance and staging fundraising evenings.
“We had a memorial service for World War II, and invited people from the Kinloss Army Barracks and RAF Lossiemouth to attend along with former services personnel.
“On that night alone, we managed to collect more than £1,000.
“We are thinking up other ways to keep fundraising for military causes in the New Year as well, we want to keep things going.”
Erskine was formed in 1916, and now cares for more than 1,000 veterans in its homes.
The organisation’s community fundraiser, Michael Parkes thanked the Moray group for their support.
He said: “We have been recognising 100 heroes for our 100 years.
“These are supporters and volunteers that have gone above and beyond to raise much-needed funds for our veterans.
“Over the past few years, the Portgordon Post committee has offered a lot of support.
“Their tireless efforts are remarkable, considering they fundraise for so many other causes.”
Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross lodged a motion at parliament congratulating the group.
Mr Ross said: “I was delighted to learn that the Portgordon Post received one of the 100 centenary medals issued by Erskine.”
