1st Buckie Company Boys’ Brigade, a group of volunteers based in Buckie, have just been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

1st Buckie is the largest company in the country with 174 members and a leadership team of over 40 adults.  This year the company celebrates its 75th anniversary.  They run a full and varied programme for boys of all ages.  Their activities also include working in the community and supporting others.  This has included litter picks, collections for local food banks and stewarding at community events.

1st Buckie Company Boy’s Brigade is one of 244 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways in which fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse. They include volunteer groups from across the UK, including: a rural support group for farmers in Shropshire; a community magazine addressing isolation in the Western Isles; a running club engaging all ages in County Tyrone; a film academy and community hub based in South Wales, and a food bank in Greater London feeding vulnerable individuals and providing training opportunities.

Representatives of 1st Buckie Company Boys’ Brigade will receive the award crystal and certificate from Andrew Simpson, Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire later this summer. In addition, two volunteers from the company will attend a garden party at Holyrood House in June or July 2023, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

"I am delighted to congratulate all the members and leaders of the 1st Buckie Company Boys’ Brigade on achieving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.  This is an amazing achievement and reflects the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of many people over the 75 years of the Company.  Members clearly not only enjoy their involvement in the Company, but also gain many personal skills that equip them for life.  The support of families and the community is a key part of their success and thanks are due to all who help or work with the company.  Congratulations and very well done to Captain Alan McIntosh, DL BEM, and everyone associated with the group on this outstanding success."

Andrew Simpson, Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire

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