Forres memorial refurbished free of charge by McGregor Memorials
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A MEMORIAL in Forres has been refurbished free of charge by a generous local businessman.
The Cairn, built to commemorate those who lost their lives when RAF Nimrod XV230 crashed in 2006, was refurbished and regilded in time for Remembrance Sunday by McGregor Memorials.
Bob McGregor (62), who runs the newly-opened business with his son Paul and his wife Judy, did the work free of charge "because it was the right thing to do".
He said: "I didn't know the guys personally, but the memorial means a lot to me.
"I was asked if I would do the job and there was no hesitation. I was asked to put in a quote but that wasn't going to be an issue.
"I felt it was in the company's interest that we should do it – because it was the right thing to do."
The work took Mr McGregor, who opened McGregor Memorials on Leask Road six months ago, a few days to do from start to finish.
The process can be long – with gold size and gold leaf being applied to the Cairn after it was cleaned up.
"It was a last-minute thing but we wanted it done in time for Remembrance Sunday," he said.
"It took about three days from start to finish. It was a joint effort between me, my son and my wife.
He added: "I've been doing this job for more than 40 years and have loved every minute of it.
"We started McGregor Memorials about six months ago and we are loving it. We couldn't have done it at a better time.
"I'm always here for people and try to do my best for them if I can."
Local man Derek Johnston, who served in the army for 22 years, originally asked Mr McGregor how much he would charge for the job – as he was set to raise the money through a charity run.
He was delighted when the 62-year-old agreed to do the work for nothing – and said the memorial looks "absolutely stunning".
