I was saddened to hear of Gurudeo’s death at the age of 82. Gurudeo was the Liberal Democrat councillor for Westhill and District until he retired in 2012 having served since 1999.

I first met Gurudeo when he was my local councillor, then again as a Liberal Democrat colleague. Scottish party conferences were all the more fun when Gurudeo and his wife Patricia were there. We also met up regularly through our work on the board of Grampian Housing Association. Affordable housing was an issue close to his heart and he worked hard to champion this.

When he stood down as a councillor, he kept his interest in community issues, being a regular face at local meetings. Gurudeo had a great sense of humour. He was a gentleman and friend to many and he will be missed.

Inspiring Aberdeenshire is a celebration of the outstanding achievements and hard work of young people, staff and members of communities across Aberdeenshire.

Nominations are now open so put forward an inspirational resident or group today!

Now in its fifth year, Inspiring Aberdeenshire promises to be bigger and better than ever and will take place on Friday, 23 June 2017 at Haddo House.

The deadline for nominations is midday on Wednesday, 1 February 2017.

Nominate now!

surveymonkey.co.uk/r/IAbsh2017

or print off a nomination form here – inspiring-aberdeenshire-nomination-form

Last Friday, Cllr McKail and I had the pleasure of accompanying Aberdeenshire Council Chief Executive, Jim Savege on a whistle-stop tour around just a small part of Ward 13. Our tour would not have been complete without a visit to Westhill Men Shed where Jim chatted with local residents about a variety of projects being undertaken at the Shed.

On a visit ‘home’ this weekend to the Lonach Gathering, I was so pleased to catch up with Westhill’s oldest resident, Adam Craigmile. Adam is 102 and still enjoys the Games. Adam’s family ran Strathdon’s Colquhonnie Hotel and farm many years ago. After moving from Strathdon to Towie in 1945 then later to Aberdeen, Adam moved back to Westhill where he had originally went to school and where his family farmed at Broadstraik.  I caught up with Adam in the games ring at yesterday’s 174th Lonach Highland Gathering and Games where he was, as always, surrounded by his proud and attentive family. Adam has some fascinating stories to tell about his life, and a few involving Lonach over the years too, I am sure!

With one month to go until Armed Forces Day, Provost of Aberdeenshire, Jill Webster, has welcomed a group of bikers to Aberdeenshire Council to congratulate them on their fundraising efforts for ex-servicemen and women.

The Provost welcomed the 10 bikers from Aberdeenshire and Moray to Aberdeenshire Council’s headquarters at Woodhill House on Thursday, May 28.

The bikers, who are members of Legion Scotland’s Riders’ Branch, held a number of events last month, raising over £2,000 for charities including Legion Scotland’s Voices for Veterans.

Riders’ Branch District Representative, Mike Barclay, described the fundraising events: “One of our members ran a charity shop for a week selling donations from members and from the public which raised around £700.

“We held our annual biker rally in Aboyne as well, which was a weekend of goodwill and which raised over £1,000.

“Another member grew his hair for a year before shaving it and his beard off for sponsorship, raising £800 although we’re thinking of sponsoring him to grow it back again as we’ve got so used to him with long hair!”

The week of Armed Forces Day begins on Monday, June 22 when the Armed Forces Day flag will be raised on buildings and famous landmarks across the UK.

The flag will be raised at Aberdeenshire Council’s Woodhill House headquarters that morning and the flag-raising ceremony will be attended by councillors, council staff and members of the public.

Provost Webster, said: “It was wonderful to welcome members of the Legion Scotland Riders’ Branch to Woodhill House in anticipation of Armed Forces Day.

“Over 100 events have been registered across the UK so far for the public to attend, including the flag-raising ceremony that will take place here.

“I hope Aberdeenshire residents are inspired by the extraordinary fundraising efforts of the bikers and that everyone takes this opportunity to support both current and former servicemen and women who do so much for our country.”

For more information on Legion Scotland’s Riders’ Branch please visit www.rblsr.org

This Saturday, 4th April, 2015 in Westhill Library from 10-11am. No appointment necessary.

Why not pay a visit to the shopping centre at the same time. There’s lots going on this weekend – Farmers’ market, book sale and the fabulous Easter egg display!

I was delighted to meet with Westhill resident, Bob Owen, who switched on the tree lights in the town centre on Saturday. The event was organised by Westhill & Elrick Community Council along with members of Westhill Community Church.

Bob was one of the war veterans who took part in the perilous Arctic Convoys during the second world war. He was presented with the Ushakov Medal at a special ceremony last month along with 15 servicemen from across the north-east.

Barr Construction have advised that they are to close the lane to the side of the Royal Bank of Scotland from Sunday 7th December until further notice to allow them to continue with the foundation work for the new retail units. Access from the back of the shops will be via the lane to the side of Key West.