A north-east author hopes to boost the coffers of the Boys’ Brigade by donating the profits of his latest book.
Michael Strachan, a former president of the group’s Buchan battalion, has spent the last year drafting his work – An Illustrated History of the Boys’ Brigade.
The Fraserburgh-born writer, who also works as the collections manager of the Fraserburgh Lighthouse Museum, now intends to donate his commission to the brigades to ensure its activities continue within the region.
The gesture follows on from last year, when he launched a plea for volunteers to come forward and sign up to the Boys’ Brigade (BBs) amid fears many brigades were being left without officers.
Yesterday, he said: “I’m pleased to say that we now have more volunteers here in the north-east and that things are looking good.
“We’re even in the process of now starting a junior company in Rosehearty – but we’re always looking for volunteers.”
His donation, which will be made next year, will depend on the books being sold.
Mr Strachan said: “I got talking with Amberley Publishing, who I’ve written for before, and they were keen to do a book.
“It’s a general history of the Boys’ Brigade from its founding in 1883, charting the changes to the present day which I hope will appeal to everyone with an interest.
“I just hope people get behind it and we can donate a decent amount. The commission is calculated annually and based on the amount of books sold.”
Included in the book is the history of the Aberdeen battalion and sections on the activities of Boys’ Brigade companies in the north-east, a part of the UK often overlooked by other historians.
“I’ve done my best to represent the north-east,” Mr Strachan said.
