Kyle Ritchie

1 week ago | grampianonline.co.uk | Kyle Ritchie

Primary schools are set to benefit from a practical sustainability initiative that aims to inspire young minds while helping cut water usage. As part of its commitment under the Public Sector Scotland (PSS) framework, water subsidiary Business Stream has provided free water butts to 15 primary schools across Aberdeenshire, including in Banff and Huntly. The water butts, which capture and store rainwater for outdoor use, are expected to save up to 2000 litres of water a year for each school.

1 week ago | grampianonline.co.uk | Kyle Ritchie

A poignant poppy display is set to return to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Since November 2018, the centenary of the end World War One, thousands of knitted and crocheted poppies have been put in place across from Macduff Parish Church at the cross and anchor and at the town’s cemetery for Remembrance Day. To commemorate the VE Day milestone, a smaller display will be installed.

2 weeks ago | grampianonline.co.uk | Kyle Ritchie

A pharmacist has triumphed at a national awards ceremony. Debbie Smith, who works at Portsoy’s Davidsons Chemists, was named Pharmacist of the Year at the prestigious Scottish Pharmacist Awards. Debbie was presented with her accolade at the event which was held in Edinburgh’s EICC. In an online post, Davidsons Chemists said: “We are delighted to share that Debbie won the Pharmacist of the Year award for her unwavering support of her local GP practice and patients.

2 weeks ago | grampianonline.co.uk | Kyle Ritchie

Some of the most dedicated residents and committed community groups have been named as finalists in this year’s Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards. Held each year in September, the accolades are a celebration of the outstanding contributions made across the region. Organised by Aberdeenshire Council, the awards shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to make life better for people around them, often through years of quiet volunteering and community service.

2 weeks ago | northern-scot.co.uk | Kyle Ritchie

A recently retired care home manager who was praised for always putting others first was named Healthcare Hero of the Year at the Moray and Banffshire Heroes awards ceremony. Shona Conlin was presented with the accolade at the event which was held in the Banff Springs Hotel. Her career in healthcare spanned 40 years and she was latterly manager at Parklands’ Weston View Care Home in Keith. She said after being presented with the award: “I'm very humbled. It was such a strong category.