Iain Rankin, left, and Andrew McCartney received their awards from James Ingleby, Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire
Iain Rankin and Andrew McCartney (right) received their awards from James Ingleby, Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire

Two Aberdeenshire men have been presented with the British Empire Medal.

Andrew McCartney, from Oldmeldrum, and Iain Rankin, from Fraserburgh, received the honours at a ceremony in Fyvie Castle last Wednesday. The medals were presented by James Ingleby, Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious civil or military service. It was established in 1922 to replace the Medal of the Order of the British Empire.

Mr McCartney, 77, is regarded as a stalwart of the Oldmeldrum community. He has been a community councillor for around 16 years and has been an expert in “cajoling” local people to appreciate and improve their surroundings. A church elder, Mr McCartney is the Rotary district officer for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and is a recipient of the Paul Harris Award and a sapphire award from the Rotary Club. His energy, ability and enthusiasm have been hailed as an inspiration to everyone in the town and the surrounding communities.

Mr McCartney told the Times: “I was totally surprised and over the moon when I heard about the award. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would receive this. It is nice that people in the community recognise your effort but I believe the award reflects the tremendous volunteer work that goes on in the town. It is very satisfying.”