A 98-year-old Second World War airman was among a group of forces veterans who swapped reminiscences during a gathering aimed at tackling loneliness.
Gordon Anderson, who served as a fleet air arm mechanic during the conflict, ventured from his home in Aberdeen to Cullen yesterday for the first ever “tea and medals” get-together.
Between bacon butties and refreshing cuppas, the group of veterans from across the north-east bonded over their time in the forces at the Cullen Community and Residential Centre.
Chairman of the North East Scotland Disabled War Veterans Association, Ron Robertson, hopes the event will become a quarterly fixture.
The 67-year-old said: “These types of events are very important as it gets the lads together and we can talk about anything, from the forces to women.
“It gets us out and about and I know everyone else feels similarly to me.
“We are based in Aberdeen and sadly there is nothing like this for us there, so this is the first time we’ve heard about something like this.”
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Mr Anderson added: “I think these type of events are nice and it is so good to come here to see everyone.”
Land Army veteran Margaret Doon, 92, also attended went for a healthy option of salad and hard boiled eggs for her brunch.
The group contained former Gordon Highlanders, and was organised by the Three Kings Cullen Association – who hope it will encourage veterans to become more involved in the community.
The brunch was funded by Age Scotland, Music in Hospital and Care Scotland and Moray Council.
Steve Henderson, community development officer for Age Scotland stressed the importance of the gatherings.
He said: “There events are critical as they are primarily designed to help older people deal with the loneliness and isolation that can sometimes come with being unable to move about.
“It keeps them busy and gets them back in an environment with like-minded individuals to chat to.”
