STONEHAVEN last night celebrated an inspirational blend of kindness, selflessness, bravery, resourcefulness, determination and community spirit.
Many well-earned superlatives were needed when the Lord-Lieutenant of Kincardineshire, Alastair Macphie presented this year’s Hannah Dyson Award and Community Award at an event in Number 44 hosted by Stonehaven and District Community Council.
Speaking before he presented the awards, Mr Macphie said: ”It is so important that we recognise the young and the older people who have contributed to our community.
”I cannot express my gratitude to all the organisations and people in Stonehaven who do so much.”
Hannah Dyson Award
Grace Campbell
This year, two youngsters from Mackie Academy, were given the Hannah Dyson Award which recognises, amongst other things, bravery, outstanding caring or community service and special achievement despite limitations imposed by long term illness.
And it is her continued, inspirational contribution to her Brownie Unit despite being diagnosed with celiac disease some years ago and the tragic loss of her father in December 2022 that earned 16-year-old Grace Campbell her award.
Grace, who joined the Brownies at the age of seven, has completed her young leader qualification. Along with her weekly volunteering, she attends weekend camps and outings.
In addition to her work with the Brownies, Grace has also undertaken several fund-raising events for a cardiomyopathy charity.
”Grace is an exceptional young teenager, she has a caring, kind, sensitive attitude beyond her years,” states her citation.
Dylan Cossans
Meanwhile it was his bravery after a terrible road accident in January that earned Dylan Cossans his award. The second year pupil at Mackie Academy was a passenger in a school taxi, which was in collision with a vehicle speeding in the opposite direction.
Ignoring his own pain and confusion, Dylan looked to the safety of the other occupants, including a vulnerable pupil, whom he pulled from the wreck and took to a safe area – before attempting to wake the driver and escort, both trapped and not responding.
The 14-year-old’s quick response and selflessness continued as he contacted the emergency services – all despite a broken arm and broken hand.
Mr Macphie said it was an exceptional situation Dylan had found himself in, but his attitude and quick thinking brought the best possible outcome.
”What an exceptional young man he is turning out to be,” he said.
Community Award
This year, three of Stonehaven’s most proactive volunteers were recognised with the Community Award.
David Fleming was awarded the British Empire Medal some months ago – and Mr Macphie expressed his pleasure in seeing his achievements further rewarded by the community benefiting from his involvement in a catologue of projects including being on the team that saved the Tolbooth Museum.
David was first secretary to then chairman of The Stonehaven Town Partnership, while it brought Stonehaven its Road Train and took ownership of both the caravan park and the Sheriff Court.
And he has also dedicated himself to improvement and repair projects at St James Episcopal Church, assisted the congregation at Catterline to secure St Philips.
”David, thank you very much indeed for all your work,” said Mr Macphie.
Speaking after the award ceremony, David told The Bellman he had tried to follow some advice given by his father.
”He said, make sure that wherever you are in your life, you leave the place where you are a little bit better for your having been there.
”I like to think that this precious award will show my Dad that, for once or twice in my life, I followed his guidance,” he added.
Paul Tosh
The next citation read like a listing of Stonehaven’s annual events, all of which enjoy the help and support of Paul Tosh, who is also a founding member of the Stonehaven and District Men’s Shed.
From the Fireballs, to the Feein’ Market, Folk Festival and Harbour Festival, Paul is sure to be found in the team helping stage the event then clearing up afterwards. It is thanks to him the Auld Toon bell rings at Hogmanay and he is also the man behind the storage and maintenance of the town’s Christmas tree, which he helps pick, cut, light and decorate.
Through the Men’s Shed, Paul has refurbished many of the town’s memorial benches and given support to many groups.
Making the award, Mr Macphie noted it is thanks to Paul the Sheriff Court House is the success it is, as he looks after the ongoing maintenance requred by a building of that age.
Paul meanwhile said he enjoyed helping, as there is often both a cameraderie and a sense of satisfaction.
”A lot of the time there is good banter,” he said.
”Sometimes it is a challenge. I like a challenge.”
Ian Balgowan
A posthumus award was made to a man from a farming background who became Stonehaven’s ‘much-loved’ fisherman – Ian Balgowan who died in January aged 79.
Mr Macphie, who hails from the same corner of the Mearns, said he had tried hard to find records of Ian’s earlier life farming around Glenbervie, scouring early editions of the Bervie Journal to no avail.
”But he is best known as a fisherman,” he said.
”He had three boats, but the best known is the Harvester because of its statue on the boardwalk.”
Ian was a long serving member of SDCC and continued to help with their noticeboards. He was also a founder member of the Tolbooth Museum, where even now he continues to entertain and inform – on video.
Presenting the Community Award to Ian’s granddaughter, Jessica McAllan, Mr Macphie added: ”Ian is missed by so many people.”
The Lord-Lieutenant Alistair Macphie with, from left, Paul Tosh, Jessica McAllan and David Fleming