Together we can.

Recently Fraserburgh celebrated an evening of honouring its local heroes that have gone above and beyond in doing great things for the community of the town in the last 12 months and in some cases as the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement award – a lifetime.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was honoured to Ron Morrice. Ron a well-known individual in the town coached Fraserburgh Swimming Club for 30 years, taught life-saving from 1972 and was also an RLSS examiner and exam organiser. He received the service cross from RLSS in 1994 for his services to society. 

He was a Director of Crossroads when it was situated in Fraserburgh; a Children's Panel member for ten years and the Convener for a few years (organised panel hearings across Aberdeenshire). His role and work were possible because Banff & Buchan and Aberdeenshire Councils allowed him time off work to attend, as they knew he could catch up by being the type of person he is.

He spent 10 years as a Trustee at Fraserburgh Lighthouse Museum and then as Chair for about eight years. 

Ron for several years also volunteered at Fraserburgh Community Council as Treasurer.

He was also in the Red Cross as a first aider for a short period of time attending various events in the town and surrounds.

"We would not have the society we have today if it was not for volunteers they all should get a pat on the back. They can still volunteer when they are gone by organ donation and leaving their body for research." Says Ron.  "I've enjoyed my time being involved with the various groups." The Honourable Mrs Kate Nicholson Deputy Lieutenant presented Ron with this award.

Fraserburgh Campsite and Caravan Park located at the beach won the Community Business of the Year award and The Old Parish Church Thrift Shop picked up the award that was voted by the public on social media – the ‘Service With A Smile’ award had a shortlist of 10 businesses.

Five special commendations were also confirmed on the evening

Young local businesswoman Steffi Cowe, Craig Trail of the Sea Cadets, Doreen Gibson of the Fraserburgh Junior Arts, Karen Forsyth for her work within the Resilience Food Larder which was set up in the last 12 months and local charity worker Beldy Blackhall also received one of the awards.

And finally, the Young Hero Award will be shared with Israel Noble, Lola Mitchell and Cali Cruickshank who represented Scotland in the European Championships and helped put Fraserburgh on the map once again in 2022.

However,  there is a special fundraising hero award for Connor Easdale who helped raise vital funds for his late younger brother who had a rare genetic disease – Tay Sachs.

Organiser and founder of the awards Ashley Mackie comments “I put forward the project to the local councillors and community council following the events of the last few years as our volunteers, young and businessmen and women did so much for helping their community when the community needed it. With the success of this inaugural event it will no doubt be an annual event for the town”.

All nominees were nominated by the public and a shortlist was decided by a local made up of a Councillor, Business Professional, Community Council Representative and Emergency Services Representative.