County: Aberdeenshire
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 21/05/1901, abt. 20/07/1901
Number issued: 5
21/05/1901 presentation
115 Private J. LEGGAT
Presentation made by Provost Bisset, at the Burnett Arms Hotel, Banchory.
Abt. 20/07/1901 presentation
139 Lance-Corporal George Beattie SHAW
BANCHORY.
VOLUNTEER NEWS.
ENTERTAINMENT TO BANCHORY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS.
The three service volunteers belonging to Banchory, who recently arrived from South Africa – Corporal J. MERSON and Private LEGGAT, and Sergt. J.M. ROSS, who had been invalided home – were on Tuesday entertained by their comrades of A Coy., 5th V.B.G.H. at a smoking concert in the Burnett Arms Hotel Hall, Banchory. The meeting was also the occasion of a presentation of gold alberts and pendants to each of the returned members of the corps. Captain Bower presided, and was accompanied by the volunteer company (in uniform), a large number of the general public, and friends of the returned men. Amongst those present were Lieutenant-Colonel Surgeon Cran, Provost Bisset, Bailies McHardy and Watt, and other members of the Town Council. The Chairman intimated apologies for absence from Major G.L. Davidson, Councillor Fraser, and Rev. William Cowan, all of whom most regretted their inability to be present.
The Chairman, Captain Bower, before formally calling upon Provost Bisset to make the presentation to the volunteers, said he, like everyone, deeply deplored the sad death of Private McGILLIVRAY, who was one of the brightest lads in the company. He was sure his comrades and everyone much regretted his death. The Captain also referred to Sergeant ROSS, who, although unable on account of bad health to remain at the front, deserved much praise. He also mentioned that he had spoken to a lieutenant of the Service Company, who assured him, in speaking for the volunteers individually, that the men were as fine fellows as he had in his company. (Applause). He thereupon called on Provost Bisset to make the presentation.
Provost Bisset, in making the presentation, assured the volunteers of the great pleasure he had in welcoming them back. The company thereafter drank to the health of the volunteers, and this was accompanied by the singing of “Scots wha hae”. Provost Bisset further intimated that a gift similar to the others would be duly forwarded to Lance-Corporal SHAW, belonging to A Company, who had remained in South Africa.
Sergeant ROSS thereafter thanked the meeting for the gifts.
Corporal MERSON, in giving his thanks, said he was deeply gratified by the kind reception accorded him and his comrades on their return. He feelingly referred to the death of Private McGILLIVRAY. As a comrade he had never a better; he was a man as good as gold in every way. He was one of the finest men in the company, and everyone was proud of him. In concluding, Corporal MERSON thanked the meeting most sincerely for the gifts presented to them. He and the others would never forget the kindness shown them on their return.
Private LEGGAT, being the next to offer his thanks, said that he thought his friend Corporal MERSON had said enough for two, and he could now only thank them heartily for the gifts. (Laughter and loud applause).
A toast to the “Army and Imperial Forces” was proposed by Bailie McHardy, followed by a few interesting remarks by that gentleman. Lieutenant-Colonel Surgeon Cran, with whose name the toast was coupled, appropriately replied.
Mr Thomas Davidson, jun., proposed a toast to “The Town Council”, which was heartily received, and the meeting joined in singing “For they are jolly good fellows”. Provost Bisset and other members of the council replied.
In proposing a toast to the chairman, Captain Bower, Bailie McHardy spoke of the captain as an excellent officer, and one who was very popular.
