Letters of commendation have been sent to more than 100 people and groups throughout Moray, who have gone ‘above and beyond’ during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Lords-Lieutenant of Banffshire and Moray have created the new Covid Commendations to recognise community members and groups across the area.
This is the first time such letters have been awarded, and the Lieutenancies say they felt compelled to publicly recognise the exceptional efforts made by so many.
Forres area recipients include Councillor Lorna Creswell, who also received a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Other local receipients were:
- Tina Coffey
- Pery Zakeri
- Cathy Low
- Richard and Tracey Cross
- St John’s Episcopal Church
- Forres and District Pipe Band Committee
- Marie Jacques
- Jock Gibson
- Mark Mair
- Forres In Bloom
- Meadowlark Care Home
- FACT (Forres Area Community Trust)
Commendations were also given to Moray-wide groups such as NHS Grampian, Moray Food Plus, Moray School Bank, 39 Engineer Regiment, REAP, and IT Central and Royal Mail. See the full list of commendations for groups and individuals across Moray.
Amazingly chuffed
Jock Gibson, who delivered produce to vulnerable people throughout the area, and also set up a shop on his rural farm, said he was amazingly chuffed to receive this on behalf of the amazing folk we have at Macbeths and Edinvale Farm.
He said: “Everybody has put in an awesome shift over the last six months and I am delighted for everyone that their effort has been recognised. We are really pleased that we were and are able to play a small part in supporting our local community, but we are also humbled by the amazing support shown to us by that community and our customers throughout the country.”
He thanked his members of staff Michael, Kevin, Karen, June, Calum, Ryan, Rich, Iain, Billy, Iain, Karen, Johnny, Mal and Diane, for their team effort.
Deputy Lieutenants, councillors and some council officers submitted nominations to a joint Lieutenancy honours subcommittee, chaired by the Lords-Lieutenant of Banffshire and Moray, Andrew Simpson and Seymour Monro.
Andrew Simpson said: “We have all been impressed by the way so many groups and individuals have come together to deliver support to their communities, especially to those who have been vulnerable or isolating.
“Public organisations such as the NHS, police and Moray Council have worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Moray throughout.
‘We would also like to thank the supermarkets, retailers and pharmacists who have been under great pressure from the start of the lockdown and have given exceptional service.’
Lord-Lieutenant for Moray, Maj Gen Seymour Monro, said it has been humbling for the committee to read the citations.
“We will almost certainly be having a second round of these Letters of Commendation in the middle of next year,” he said.
“We would encourage people to contact their local deputy lieutenants or councillors with suggestions.
“On behalf of our communities, we give our sincere congratulations and thanks to all those who are receiving these commendations”.