A fond farewell to Badenoch and Strathspey community transport heroine
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THERE was a huge turn-out of well-wishers to say a thank-you to the driving force behind better public transport links in the strath.
Maggie Lawson is hitting the road after 25 years at the helm of the award-winning Badenoch and Strathspey Community ConnXions.
More than 100 people attended a big BSCX surprise party at Carrbridge’s Landmark Forest Adventure Park on Friday to bid farewell to Maggie.
The guest list included many past and present volunteers, funders, supporters, trustees and staff.
Officials from the Cairngorms National Park Authority, NHS Highland and Highland Council were in attendance as well as regional Labour MSP Rhoda Grant and Nicola Mitchell, from the Community Transport Association.
Maggie told the Strathy there is still plenty left in the tank to enjoy her retirement – and she will no doubt be seen even more on the local fairways.
She said: “I am feeling nervous and I know that I will miss so much of it especially helping people and our volunteers but after 25 years I think that it is good for someone who is young to come into the organisation with new ideas and new vision
“I am really pleased for Donald (Hall) – he is local and he knows so many people and will do an excellent job.”
As for her future, she said: “I am going to play more golf and go out on my bike and catch-up with friends.
“I have got a big holiday coming up in September to Canada for three weeks.
“It is for my retirement and my partner Donnie’s (MacIsaac) big birthday and we have been planning the trip for two years.”
Maggie admitted to being gobsmacked by all the attention on Friday: “I thought it a special occasion for the volunteers to get their award but heard little mummerings that they may mention that I am retiring so I can say cheerio to them.
“But I had no idea it was going to be like it was – it was a massive surprise and unbelievable that so many people came along.”
Maggie believes that one her proudest legacies will be the ‘lots of happy clients and volunteers’.
She said: “Some of them say it has been an absolute lifeline and the volunteers have met so many people, clients have new friends.
“It has been a great experience for me that’s for sure and I would say it has been the best job I have ever had.”
All of those years ago prior, Maggie had worked at local enterprise company, Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise based in Aviemore
The event was also a golden opportunity for Nicola Mitchell to present the UK wide award to BSCX who were named 2023 Community Transport Association Provider of The Year.
BSCX chairman Graham Keith told Maggie and all those gathered: “One common thread throughout the past 25 years has been a stalwart of our organisation, Maggie Lawson, who even received an MBE for her services to our community.
Maggie retires after over 25 years with BSCX and its predecessors in the strath.
“During Maggie’s time with us, we estimate that she has been influential in securing over £2m of funding to make sure we – literally – keep our show on the road.
“BSCX is a pillar of our local community, and we have all benefitted from your dedication to serve that community.”
The transport company now employs 10 part time staff and is assisted by more than 80 volunteers.
