Forres community stalwart "humbled" after receiving BEM
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A STALWART of the Forres community who has raised thousands for worthy causes over decades of fundraising has been recognised with a British Empire Medal in the King's birthday honours.
Albert Duffus (72) has received the honour for services to veterans, charity and boxing.
"It's very humbling," Albert said. "I'm delighted but I wouldn't be receiving this honour without all the support I've had from people locally and from all over Scotland.
"A lot of people don't know that my family now has two MBEs and two BEMs.
"That's not bad for one family in Forres so it's a massive honour."
Albert's affinity for boxing started at a young age. He became junior Scottish champion when he was just 14 years old before joining the army.
He continued to box within his regiment before returning to Forres after more than two decades of service.
It was there that he formed Lochside Amateur Boxing Club which has supported many young people in the Moray town.
"The boxing club has been great," Albert said. "We used to take young kids off the streets. It gave them confidence. Some were getting bullied at school so their parents were delighted to see them come along to the club and gain some confidence."
In his BEM citation, it said: "He has been indefatigable in promoting boxing to young people in the North of Scotland and beyond.
"He is an ambassador to the sport after his commitment and resourcefulness encouraged him to set up annual boxing events to raise monies for various charities and to help the youth of Forres.
"He formed and then managed the Lochside Amateur boxing club. He produced Northern District and Scottish Champions from his squad of boxers, often stepping in as the team manager on foreign trips."
It added: "He is a well-respected servant of Scottish boxing, judging contests across the country and remains involved as a delegate and judge representing the Granite City Club. This was carried out predominately in his own time, whilst holding a full time job as Superintendent on the River Findhorn."
Albert worked as Superintendent on the River Findhorn for 21 years. During that time, he became Captain and President of Forres Golf Club, where he still plays off a handicap of six, using his position to host annual fundraisers.
He has raised money for Combat Stress, Veterans with Dogs, Poppy Scotland and Erskine Veterans Hospital all in memory of his son, Mark, who was sadly killed in Afghanistan.
To date, he has raised over £66,000 for charity and intends to raise even more.
"I'm just delighted for the charities," Albert added. "I've done a lot of it for the soldiers because they've done a lot for our country so I wanted to support them.
"The main thing for me though is that I'm just so thankful to the locals and all their support.
"Forres Golf Club as well. They've been so good to me over the years."
