A royal visit marked a significant milestone for the 1st Buckie Company of the Boys’ Brigade as HRH the Duke of Gloucester officially opened their new home at the One Marchmont Business Centre on March 5, 2024. The company relocated to this facility in January 2023 after previously being based at the Buckie South, West and Enzie Church. Despite the cold and wet weather, the atmosphere was warm and festive as the community welcomed the royal guest.
Celebrating Community Spirit
During the ceremony, the Duke cut a ceremonial ribbon and unveiled a commemorative plaque in front of an audience that included members of the Boys’ Brigade, local organizations, and community supporters. The event featured performances from various user groups at the centre, including the BB Junior Section, JFusion Dance, and Wright Fitness. Cadet Pipe Major Gracie Reid played “Scotland the Brave” to greet the Duke and bid him farewell as he later departed for dinner at the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen.
In his address, the Duke praised the vision and commitment of those who transformed the former bulb factory, which opened in 1956, into a vibrant community hub. He expressed admiration for the foresight shown by the individuals who believed in the potential of the building, stating, “This place will become an important part of the life of this town.” He emphasized the role that such community spaces play in fostering engagement and support for local initiatives.
“I think that we have the largest Boys’ Brigade in the country. There’s ample proof that it is because there are people who care about it and who want it to be constructive,” said HRH the Duke of Gloucester.
A Bright Future for Buckie
The Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Andrew Simpson, delivered a vote of thanks, highlighting the significance of the royal visit in showcasing the positive aspects of Buckie. He remarked, “The aim was to showcase both the good that currently exists in Buckie and what provides a very firm basis for the future of the town.” His remarks reflected the community’s pride in its heritage and the potential for growth.
1st Buckie Company Captain Alan McIntosh described the move to the Marchmont centre as a major development for the organization. “We’ve been working hard to get back to pre-Covid numbers,” he noted, explaining that the previous location could not accommodate their growing membership. The company has expanded to approximately 170 boys thanks to support from local businessman Charles Milne, who provided the hall and six rooms at the new site.
The visit from the Duke represents a significant moment for the Boys’ Brigade, which is one of the largest in the UK. McIntosh reflected on the honor of hosting another royal visitor, stating, “It doesn’t get any better than that. It’s a big honour for the Company to welcome HRH the Duke of Gloucester.” The royal engagement underscored the importance of community spirit and volunteerism in Buckie.
The Duke’s itinerary included various engagements in Buckie, starting with a visit to the Buckie Harbour Office, where he discussed future development plans for the port with Moray Council. He also visited Ocean Winds, where he unveiled a bench in memory of architect Charles Bell, who contributed to significant projects in the region.
His visit to the Buckie RNLI lifeboat station was met with appreciation from the volunteers. Bruce Scott, the full-time station technician, expressed the honor of welcoming the Duke, noting, “A royal visit is a special moment for everyone involved with Buckie RNLI, and it means a great deal to our volunteers who give their time willingly to help save lives at sea.”
The Duke’s busy schedule also included a visit to Forsyth’s Ltd and Macduff Shipyard’s Buckie base, where he observed ongoing projects and engaged with local workers. The day concluded on a positive note, reaffirming the community’s commitment to development and collaboration.
This royal visit not only highlighted the achievements of the Boys’ Brigade and the transformation of the One Marchmont Business Centre but also served as a reminder of the strength and potential of community-driven initiatives in Buckie.
