Honour for Dingwall's star resident

Decades of community service offered freely by a Dingwall man were recognised at the weekend when he was given an honour on behalf of the Queen.

Peter Angus was handed the British Empire Medal by the Queen’s representative in Ross-shire, Janet Bowen, during a street fair in the county town on Saturday.

The retired Scottish Water sampler, who has devoted nearly 60 years to the Fire Brigade Community Group, had been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his tireless efforts for the town.

Mr Angus previously told how he was "astounded" and then "really chuffed" after receiving the letter notifying of the honour.

The grandfather-of-three was born at the town’s Ross Memorial and grew up on Meiklefield Road with his mother Mary, dad John and brother, also John, who emigrated to Canada. He been a stalwart for Dingwall, helping to raise thousands of pounds in his role as chairman of the Fire Brigade Community Group, of which he has been on the committee for 54 years.

He is also vice-chairman of the Seaforth Highlanders Regimental Association (Ross-shire). He lives at Millcraig Road with wife Jennifer, and has been retired for nine years.

The couple have a daughter, Lorna, who lives in Glasgow and three granddaughters, Morgan (18), Kayla (12) and Nyah (5).

The eldest followed in her grandfather’s musical footsteps and gave him one of his proudest moments when she performed a senior drumming role in the Army Cadets Pipe Band parade last Easter. Mr Angus is a noted drummer and was back behind the drum kit on Saturday just prior to his accolade, entertaining the crowd.

The former Dingwall Academy pupil threw himself into his drumming career ahead of a 26-year stint with North of Scotland Water Authority, which became Scottish Water. He said he enjoys helping his home town.