Hopes statue can be new Forres landmark
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THERE is hope a new statue of a drum major, unveiled on Friday, can be a town landmark in Forres.
The statue was erected by AJ Engineering to mark its 20th year in business and to honour the town’s connection to piping.
AJ Engineering fabricated and installed the aluminium drum major, which stands 17 feet above the ground, on its premises at the entrance to the industrial estate.
The statue is modelled on Forres Pipe Band drum major Mike Munro (58), who has been associated with the band since 1971. He spoke at his pride in being immortalised as a landmark for the town of Forres.
He told the Forres Gazette: "This will be a great landmark in Forres, it will be a big thing. I feel very honoured and I have no idea why they have chosen me.
"I found out about it at the start of the year and it was a big surprise, but it is a big honour."
Managing Director of AJ Engineering, Alan James said: "We have been doing various activities to celebrate that AJ Engineering is 20 years old and one idea that came from the staff was to erect a monument which would showcase what intricate and varied steelwork we can handle at AJE, but also a structure that would mean something to the people of Forres.
"It made sense to choose something piping related due to the fact the town supported Piping At Forres for six years. The drum major looks fabulous and my team at AJ Engineering has worked wonders to bring it all together. We hope that the people of Forres will enjoy it for many years to come and we really do hope that it becomes the newest landmark of the town."
At the unveiling of the statue, on Friday, August 16, Mr James thanked Forres in Bloom, whose volunteers planted the flower bed the drummer stands behind.
The unveiling was led by Major General Seymour Monro, Depute Lord Lieutenant of Moray and President of the Forres and District Pipe Band.
He added: "It is a stunning statue which demonstrates the skills and quality of the workforce and will be a great landmark in Forres at the other end of town from Sueno’s Stone. A great contrast."
AJ Engineering has dedicated this year to raising money for three charities; Marie Curie in Moray, Diabetes Scotland (Moray branch) and Fort William-based Star For Harris which is regularly supported by the company’s sister firm NEWCo.
The staff have embarked on a challenge to cycle 21,000 miles on a static bike to raise money for the charities and will also take part in Door Open Day on September 21 with a family fun day.
AJE’s business development representative Lee Binks is also organising monthly community cycles to help towards the final total.
For more information visit www.ajengineering.co.uk or find the firm of Facebook at @AJEngScotland or to make a donation visit: www.sponsorme.co.uk/ajengineering
