Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford unveiled a plaque commemorating Victoria Cross winner Piper George Findlater at a ceremony in the Public Hall, Forglen last Friday. The event was attended by members of the Friends of Forglen Hall, Turriff Royal British Legion as well as descendents of Piper Findlater.
Dr Whiteford was also able to present Piper Findlater's descendents with a copy of the announcement of the awarding of his VC which appeared in the London Gazette in May 1898 which she had asked the House of Commons Library to see if they could obtain from their archives.
Piper Findlater was a local Forglen man who enlisted in Gordon Highlanders in April 1888 and being interested in music started the study of the bagpipes after he joined the army.
For bravery under battle in 1897 in the NW Frontier in British India (now Pakistan) he was awarded the VC. He was wounded in both ankles but continued to play the pipes. In 1898 Queen Victoria travelled from Windsor to Netley Hospital, Southampton to award him the VC.
Piper Findlater served in WW1 and was wounded again. After the war, he was active in Turriff Pipe Band as Pipe Major.
Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:
"It is a huge honour to be asked to unveil the new plaque and great that Forglen is remembering its most famous son.
"Many VCs were awarded posthumously but he survived his injuries and settled back in the North-east, contributing to the civic life of his local community."