PORTSOY BOAT FESTIVAL SUCCESS PRAISED BY LOCAL MP

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has praised the organisers of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival on yet another highly successful event.

The MP was joined by MSP Stewart Stevenson and Portsoy councillor Ian Gray as they toured the various stands and exhibits.

Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:

"The organising committee deserve our praise for delivering yet another spectacular Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.

"The glorious sunshine certainly added to the tremendous atmosphere and there was a real buzz, not only around the event but also the whole town. Portsoy can be rightly proud that it has a visitor attraction of national importance which draws visitors from not only the length and breadth of the country but also internationally."

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LOCAL MP ATTENDS ST COMBS GALA

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford dropped in on St Combs Gala on Saturday to show her support for the community event.

The village hall, usually at the centre of the gala activities, was lost to a fire last year but a marquee took its place at this year's gala. Plans are moving forward for a replacement facility which will improve on the facilities available in the previous hall.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

"My congratulations go to the gala organisers for an excellent event. The loss of the village hall in last year's fire was a devastating blow to the village but the community spirit is alive and well and people are determined that the village will benefit from a better facility in its place.

"Events such as these are really important in the community calendar, especially in smaller communities. The volunteers who give up their time to organise galas and the people who turn out to support them can be proud of the part they play in village life."

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MP HAILS MAGNIFICENT EFFORT AT TURRIFF 'RELAY FOR LIFE' EVENT

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford attended the closing ceremony of the 'Relay for Life' event at The Haughs, Turriff yesterday (Sunday). The 24 hour-long event ended at midday yesterday where the organisers revealed that over £135,000 had been raised from the Turriff effort.

Dr Whiteford attended the launch of the event in Turriff back in February and was delighted to be asked back by the organisers to speak at the closing ceremony.

Commenting, the local MP said:

"This is a truly staggering amount to have raised and everyone involved can be very proud indeed of their efforts.

"The fact that so many people of all ages, and from across the community, turned out for this event 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 congratulate the committee on a truly magnificent effort."

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WHITEFORD OPENS HATTON GALA

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford performed the official opening of Hatton Gala yesterday (Sunday).

The Gala Queen and her attendants set off from Northfield conveyed by vintage tractor and led by Ellon Pipe Band where they did a circuit of the village before arriving at the village hall where the local MP performed the crowning ceremony and officially opened the gala day.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

"My congratulations go to the gala organisers for an excellent event. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and the weather really helped things along as I know that the last few years have seen the event confined to the village hall due to rain.

"Events such as these are really important in the community calendar, especially in smaller communities. The volunteers who give up their time to organise galas and the people who turn out to support them can be proud of the part they play in village life."

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