Nine Forres citizens have been honoured for their service to the town by being named burgesses

NINE outstanding local citizens were honoured at a special ceremony during Forres Scottish Week.

Tina Coffey, Pearl Hamilton, Brian McDonald, Sandra Maclennan, Raymond Mills, Michael Munro, Michael Rhind, Bob Watson and Claire Weller were nominated to be burgesses - their naming ceremony in St Leonard's Church was presented by Forres Heritage Trust volunteer and burgess, Alex Ross.

Fellow Forres Burgess and former leader of Moray Council, George Alexander, confirmed the event was well attended and praised the new title holders.

He said: “We paraded the new burgesses in from the church hall to sit at the front pew. They were led by Charlie Holder playing the pipes, followed by Kevin Bremner carrying the Forres Burgh Standard. Each faced the audience as our chairman for the evening, Alex, read their citation. I then presented them with a certificate and burgess badge.”

The nine citations offered description of voluntary work over many years which has enriched our community.

Tina Coffey's citation highlighted her secretarial, liaison and fund-raising work supporting a large number of local groups, all achieved whilst working full-time as a school administrator.

Shopkeeper Pearl Hamilton - over many years - has been a major force with the Federation of Small Businesses and involved in pet animal charities, fundraising for Kinloss OAPs and supporting the major Christmas events and features which light up the town over the winter period.

Brian McDonald's citation recorded his involvement in Forres Area Forum and Forres Area Community Trust during their formations, in addition to his significant contributions to the arts and environment including the establishment of the ForWORDS writing group, and improving Sanquhar pond and adjoining areas near Forres Academy.

Retired primary school head teacher Sandra Maclennan has played a variety of major roles in Forres Area Forum, Forres Area Community Trust and Forres Rotary and is also a member of the Money for Moray team which disburses funding to volunteer groups. But she is perhaps best known for her key contribution to Forres' success in Britain in Bloom - this grew roots during her time as head at Applegrove Primary School. In 1993 she started a school gardening club there and the school won awards for gardening and became a key contributor to Forres in Bloom.

Raymond Mills works tirelessly to preserve the heritage of Forres and showcase it in features such the photographic archive for the town. His work has assisted local organisations to uncover their history, and he has been instrumental in helping Forres Area Community Trust, The Leanchoil Trust and the Grant Park 100 event. Raymond's recent historical paper on Sueno’s Stone has helped focus attention on Forres’ pivotal role in Scottish history.

Drum Major Michael Munro has devoted over 50 years of service to Forres and District Pipe Band. Mike joined the band in 1971 as a boy and in 2012 was promoted to drum major. He continues to lead with enthusiasm and panache, advising and tutoring junior members, following the band tutorial scheme now adopted in Moray schools. His friendly, welcoming manner reinforces the family nature of the band.

Michael Rhind's citation celebrates his contribution to culture and history in the burgh and to his work with young people. He has been a member of the Friends of the Falconer Museum committee for 15 years, four of them as chairman. He holds various roles in Scouting and is assistant leader to 1st Forres Scouts. He also supports the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme at Forres Academy. Michael is an active member of Forres Rotary Club and continues to push for the community at home and abroad.

Bob Watson joined Forres Pipe Band in 1977. He has volunteered for over 30 years, teaching drummers and was instrumental in restarting the band when it collapsed in the 1990s. He also taught 1st Forres Boys Brigade drummers for several years. Bob was also involved in Applegrove Primary School for around 20 years as a member of the Parent Teachers Association, the School Board and Parent Council. He still helps out every year at Applegrove Christmas Fayre. Bob is a member of Forres Heritage Trust, where he helps with the historic photos at the Tolbooth and PAT testing equipment.

As captain of Findhorn Coastal Rowers Club, formed over 10 years ago, Claire Weller leads by example, taking out new members onto the water. She also teaches water safety, navigation and survival on the water. Claire also leads a team of senior rowers in regattas with other Scottish skiffs. She is a first aid responder for the Sandpiper Trust and volunteers with Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation.