Portgordon to honour Gurkha engineers for historic harbour repairs
The sterling work of a team of Gurkhas to repair a north-east harbour nearly 40 years ago are set to be commemorated.
At 2pm this afternoon (Sunday), the people of Portgordon and invited guests are set to gather at the harbour to rededicate a plaque to the men of 69 Independent Field Squadron who, between 1985 and 1987, undertook three visits to conduct vital repairs.
They left behind them a plaque on the north breakwater to remind people of their endeavours for the community. However, since 2011 the plaque became inaccessible due to damage to the pier and the former Portgordon Community Harbour Group, now Portgordon Community Trust (PCT), started their deliberation of ensuring that it remained visible and accessible to all, particularly for passing public, many of whom walk the Speyside Way which takes them alongside the harbour.
In the intervening years, the effects of corrosion and weathering saw plans set in motion by former PCT chairman Colin Hanover - later taken over by his successor, the late Derek Murray - to rejuvenate the plaque.
One of those looking forward to the event is current PCT chairman Scott Sliter.
He said: “The harbour is considered the heart of the community and we want to strengthen and acknowledge not just what these men did but also what has happened since then.
“We’re very grateful to Crown Estate Scotland for their financial support and we have placed the refurbished plaque in a location which is more accessible for all. The colour of the refurbished plaque has been chosen to match that of local signage.”
Opening the ceremony at 2pm will be local man Prof Peter Reid from Robert Gordon University. He will then hand over to the PCT’s patron, Andrew Simpson, the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire.
The revitalised plaque will then be unveiled with the support of former Royal Gurkhas Rifles soldier Hon Lt Menbahadur Gurung, who is the President of the North East Scotland Gurkha Association and the vice patron of the Animals in Warfare Association Scotland.
Mr Murray will give the closing remarks before the guests were invited back to the Richmond Building for refreshments.
