A group of volunteers who help welcome visitors into some of the north-east’s favourite attractions were the guests of honour at a special event last night.
The Aberdeen and District Members Society was the first group of its kind to be set up to support the work of the National Trust of Scotland 40 years ago.
Members focus their fundraising and volunteering efforts on Drum Castle, near Banchory, and Castle Fraser, near Kemnay.
Last night, the group celebrated its anniversary at a civic reception at the Town House in Aberdeen, where Lord Provost George Adam recognised their work.
Among the guests was Finlay McKichan, who joined the group about six weeks after it started as honorary secretary.
Since then, he has fulfilled several roles, including chairman and vice-chairman twice each and programme secretary two or three times. He also produces the group’s newsletter and served on the NTS’s trust council until it was replaced by a smaller board in 2011.
Mr McKichan regularly volunteers to help out at special events at the castles, such as jousting competitions or car rallies when visitor numbers soar.
Yesterday the former history teacher said a “natural interest” had led him to get involved, and that he thoroughly enjoyed the work.
The 72-year-old, of Cairnaquheen Gardens, Aberdeen, said: “These events which we help out at are often attended by local people, Many of the day to day visitors are tourists, but the large proportion that come to events are local and it is nice to see how much support there is locally for these properties.”
Mr McKichan, who recently received the NTS’s first chairman’s gold award in recognition of his 40 years volunteering, added the charity played an important part in protecting Scotland’s heritage.
His wife Joan is also a volunteer and former chairwoman, and for the last 15 years the pair have put together a programme of talks for members to enjoy. The group also go on day trips, and donate their fees to support the NTS.
Current chairwoman Alison Mitchell said the society’s recent support had helped the team at Drum buy a new marquee for weddings and functions, instal lights in the car park and buy more ropes to allow visitors to enter more rooms.
At Castle Fraser, the group’s donations have helped improve signs to ensure visitors know how to get to the attraction.