Moray & Banffshire Hero of Heroes – Coastguard with 40 years service Graeme Gordon wins top award
This year’s winner of the Moray & Banffshire Hero of Heroes accolade is a man who’s been helping to save lives for more than 40 years.
Graeme Gordon, the Coastguard station officer at Burghead, was presented with the top honour at the climax of Friday evening’s ceremony which was held at the Banff Springs Hotel.
The award was one of three he picked up during the night after earlier being declared victor in both the ‘Volunteer’ and ‘Emergency Services’ categories.
During the course of the past four decades Graeme has attended more than 1000 callouts.
Accepting the top award on stage in front of an audience of nearly 300 people, the 59-year-old thanked his wife Amanda for all her support over the years.
Speaking afterwards he added: “You can get called out at any time – during the middle of a family party, at Christmas, at New Year. Amanda has always been incredibly understanding.
“I’m a bit overwhelmed about the awards to be honest. I’m just an ordinary guy from Burghead.
“The really important thing is the team, not me as an individual. We have a great team.”
Graeme, who also volunteered with the Red Cross for several years, first became involved with the Coastguard not long after leaving school.
He said: “I started work as a joiner and my boss was in charge of the Coastguard. It just seemed like the right thing to do.
“My brother and some of my friends were at sea so I knew it was something worthwhile and useful.”
His nomination form spoke eloquently of his selfless and tireless efforts.
It stated: “Graeme has played a crucial role in safeguarding Scotland’s often perilous coastline. He’s an invaluable mentor helping shape the next generation of coastguard personnel and ensuring the future of the service.
“Whether coordinating rescues or assisting with training, his calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to lead and guide others have saved lives on many occasions.
“His compassionate nature truly embodies the spirit of a local hero.”
The main Hero of Heroes award was sponsored by The Good Sleep Company whose 2000 sq ft showroom on Banff High Street offers a wide choice of mattresses, bed frames, divan sets and bedroom furniture.
The Volunteer of the Year award was sponsored by Robertson Group, the building firm which was founded in Elgin nearly 60 years ago.
While the Emergency Service award was sponsored by Kellockbank, the garden centre just off the A96 between Huntly and Inverurie.
