Fundraising on the links

Earlier this year, the Royal British Legion Scotland’s Ballater branch hosted a highly successful charity golf day at the picturesque Ballater Golf Course. The event, organized in support of Poppyscotland, saw 16 teams of four compete in a Texas Scramble match.

The day featured a diverse array of participants, including teams from Banchory, Alford and Ellon & District RBLS branches, RBS/NatWest Bank, Kinross Golf Club, Ballater Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Local Ballater residents, affectionately known as ‘loons’, also joined in the spirited competition.

Despite a brief spell of rain as the final team made their way back to the clubhouse, the weather was largely favourable. Following the match, participants and supporters enjoyed a delightful lunch, an auction and a raffle.

The whole event was a resounding success, raising an impressive £4,559 for Poppyscotland. This achievement was made possible by the generous contributions of local businesses and individuals who donated prizes, the enthusiastic golfers who took part, and the community members who purchased raffle tickets.

The RBLS Ballater branch extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their unwavering support and generosity. The charity golf day was not only a memorable event but also a testament to the community's commitment to supporting veterans and their families through Poppyscotland.

 

Generations unite for Remembrance in Melrose

One of the most touching elements of Remembrance is how it can bring together people of all generations to share a quiet moment together. Such was the case in Melrose, where branch member Brian Adams joined the Remembrance Sunday parade with his granddaughter, Felicity.

Brian described the event as a “fantastic day… one that will go down in history”. On social media, members of the public said that seeing Brian and Felicity walking hand-in-hand together was “the most touching sight”.

 

Dancing to success in Thurso

A young Highland dancer supported by the Thurso branch of Legion Scotland has been recognised for her remarkable talents at an annual event.

Skye McLeod, who has been dancing since the age of four at the Tanya Horne School of Highland Dance in Halkirk, Caithness, was invited to take part in the Jessie Stewart Haggerty MBE Scholarship event, which showcases exceptional students from across the country.

As one of 15 dancers within the senior category, Skye placed 6^th, dancing her own choreographed piece.

The Thurso branch was delighted to have sponsored Skye’s attendance at the event, which she went to with her mum Kerry, who works at Thurso club.

A spokesperson for the branch added, “Skye has worked hard to achieve this, and we are all very proud of her and pleased we were able to help a young lady who has helped out our local branch on so many occasions.”

 

Kirkwall and Thurso share a day of sportsmanship

Thurso branch has also kept itself busy with a trip to Kirkwall on 2 November, where members enjoyed an afternoon of crib, pool and darts with their fellow Legionnaires.

The Thurso members were made to feel very welcome in the Kirkwall club, the only downside being that they lost the competition on the last game. Members also had the pleasure of the company of Hughie MacInnes, Area Vice Chair from Fort William, who participated in the games.

Plans are afoot to hold a return event in the Thurso club in the not-too-distant future and members are already looking towards to their next trips away with other branches.