Whiteford Gives Backing to Turriff "Relay for Life" Launch

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has given her backing to the launch of Turriff’s Cancer Research Relay for Life. The launch was held on Friday evening in Turriff Academy.

Eilidh Whiteford MP at closing of
Turriff 'Relay for Life'
Cancer Research fundraising event

The local MP attended the launch of the previous event in 2010 and spoke at the closing ceremony in The Haughs, where a huge crowd of participants, supporters and family members gathered to cheer on those taking part.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

"The fact that so many people of all ages, and from across the community, turned out for the launch reminds us that most of us have had our lives touched by cancer, directly or indirectly.

"Relay for Life is a great reminder that treatment is improving all the time and many people are recovering from cancer nowadays. Taking part is a great way to remember those we've lost, and through fundraising, provide hope for the future. Above all, events like Relay for Life let those currently undergoing treatment know that they have the support of the whole community behind them.

"I'm delighted to support the Relay for Life and wish Lynne Cruickshank and her team every success in organising the event, which I’m sure will be a great success, just as the last one proved to be.”

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MP's Backing for Maud Railway Museum

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford visited Maud Railway Museum at the weekend as part of its programme of opening over the summer.

Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP with
Nigel Sawford, Chair of the Friends
of Maud Railway Museum

The Friends of Maud Railway Museum are a group of volunteers who staff the station building and promote the Museum and its projects. The Museum is still owned by Aberdeenshire Council while run by the volunteers, who have opened it up to the public on seven weekends over the summer months.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“The museum was closed by Aberdeenshire Council several years ago but thanks to the Friends of Maud Railway Museum, it has been opened up to the public regularly since then and on seven weekends during the summer this year.

“It really is a fascinating little museum and the volunteers are on hand to explain the exhibits and, in the case of one gentleman who worked on the railway at Maud, share first-hand experiences of what it was like in the heyday of the railways in Buchan.

“The volunteers deserve our gratitude for keeping up this important aspect of our local history and I’m sure that as heritage tourism becomes more and more popular these days, Maud will be a first-class stop for tourists again next summer.”

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MP Drops in on MacMillan Fundraiser

Local MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford dropped in on the Macmillan Cancer Relief fundraiser being held in Mintlaw at the weekend.

Eilidh Whiteford MP with
Buchan Indoor Bowling Club

The MP took time out of her schedule to drop-in and support the event which was held in the Buchan Indoor Bowling Club.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

“I was pleased to be able to take time out to drop by and support this very worthwhile event

“I was delighted to see that it was so well-supported by members of the public."

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Whiteford Tours Central Buchan Community Project

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford toured the new community centre in Mintlaw yesterday (Saturday). The building, which is currently under construction, is part of the Mintlaw & Central Buchan Initiative, known as MACBI.

MACBI, which holds charitable status, was set up by local people in the area in 2005. They aim to improve facilities and offer a place for people to meet, a centre for cultural events, a centre for health and sports activities and most importantly a centre to foster community spirit.

The building will be centrally located in Mintlaw, adjacent to Mintlaw Academy, Pitfour Primary School, Mintlaw Health Centre, the Library and the all-weather pitch.

Eilidh Whiteford MP with MACBI Director
John Pascoe (l) and Chair Norman Smith (r)

The Banff & Buchan MP toured the building with local residents and Directors of the MACBI Project and viewed the plans detailing the development, including floor plans which illustrating multi-purpose hall, multi-gym, soft play area, meeting rooms, changing rooms, lounge/viewing area and a café.

Commenting after her visit, Eilidh said:

“The new community centre is really starting to take shape now and it’s clear it will be a facility of which the communities of Central Buchan can be proud.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work by a dedicated team of local people to get to this point and it is a very exciting time for the community as we move towards the February completion date.

“I’m confident this will be a vital asset for Mintlaw and the surrounding villages which will be well-used for years to come.”

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