2 days Ago By [email protected] (Alan Beresford)
The work of Gurkha engineers to repair a village harbour nearly four decades ago have been honoured by the local community. Invited guests were joined by residents at Portgordon Harbour last Sunday to witness the rededication of plaque to the men of 69 Independent Field Squadron who, between 1985 and 1987, undertook three visits to conduct vital repairs on the harbour wall and slipway. The project was given the name Operation Famous Grouse and has left an indelible impression on the village.
Before they left, they installed a commemorative plaque on the north breakwater to remind future generations of their contributions to the community. However, the years of harsh weather and corrosion have not been kind to the plaque, which became inaccessible after 2011 due to damage to the pier. This, plus the abiding sense of gratitude felt by the local community, later prompted the former Portgordon Community Harbour Group, now Portgordon Community Trust (PCT), to begin the process of both rejuvenating the timeworn plaque and resiting it where it would be accessible to all.
This was taken forward by former PCT chairmen Colin Hanover and the late Derek Murray. Current PCT chairman Scott Sliter reflected on just how profound a legacy the Gurkhas lad left behind them. He said: “I think by doing this we’re acknowledging all those who helped repair the harbour wall, the 27 men who came here to a community they knew nothing about and did so much.
“They have left a significant and lasting legacy. It’s surprising how many people can remember when the Gurkhas came; there’s a real sense of pride and acknowledgement by the village. “The harbour is considered to be at the heart of the community and the plaque not only strengthens and acknowledges this commitment but also what has happened since and the journey we’ve been on to take the harbour into community ownership.
” Mr Sliter went on to voice the community’s gratitude for the funding support afforded to the project by Crown Estate Scotland, as well as the sterling contributions made to the project by Mr Hanover and Mr Murray. The rededication ceremony got under way at 2pm with local man Prof Peter Reid from Robert Gordon University introduced to the assembled crowd by PCT Community Development Officer Michelle Good. He went on to give a background to the state of the harbour prior to the Gurhkas’ intervention, quoting late community stalwart and council planning officer Bill Hunter as the “last great eyesore” in the village, the gaping hole in the elbow of the west pier and the “sorry state” of the north breaker beloved as a play area by local children but by precious few others.
Prof Reid said: “Now Bill Hunter worked, of course, in the planning department of the then-Moray District Council and spoke about the situation to the then-director, Bob Stewart. “It was Bob who knew all about the Army's Military Aid to Civilian Communities scheme. This was an initiative whereby the Army could supply personnel to aid communities with projects.
Bob made inquiries and was egged on enthusiastically by Bill Hunter and eventually in 1985 they were successful in getting Portgordon Harbour selected as one of three projects in north-east Scotland.” Opening a window on the world of the mid-1980s, Prof Reid noted that when the Gurkhas arrived in town in mid-April 1985, under the command of Major James Anderson, they were viewed as somewhat exotic additions to the community, although he went on to joke that at that time “someone coming from the other side of Keith was exotic”. He continued: “The village embraced the Gurkhas in a particularly warm and affectionate way.
“It wasn't just because the harbour was finally getting repaired, no, it was because they were a joy to have in our midst.” The second phase of the project was to see 27 sappers from the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers return to repair the north breakwater and parapet. Prof Reid went on to say that Mr Hunter and Mr Stewart estimated that at the time the total value of the work was around £500,000, the cost to the local authority only amounting to £60,000.
A third and final visit took place in 1989 to conduct work on the slipway. However, many of the lasting benefits were not to be judged in pounds and pence or even in stone and mortar. “The military aid to civilian communities scheme came up trumps for Portgordon, but it wasn't just financial.
“It wasn't even just because of the repairs to the harbour infrastructure. It was something much more than that. It was something really intangible but incredibly special.
It was the warmth of the connection that developed between the village and their Gurkha guests. “Future generations will have a better opportunity to know about the Gurkhas and their time in Portgordon.” He then handed over to PCT patron, the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson, who paid tribute to all involved, in particular Mr Murray.
He continued: “He had the vision for a celebration of the restoration of the plaque to somewhere that is more accessible. “He also had the bigger vision for what could be and will be achieved in your community. That we're here today is a mark of the willingness to take forward his ideas and his aspirations.
” Mr Simpson went on to reflect on the links not only forged by Banffshire abroad but also those from other lands with the region. He added: “The hand of friendship that nearly 40 years ago was extended to the Gurkha engineers, we extend once more to our visitors.” It was then time to unveil the revitalised new plaque, which was done with the support of former Royal Gurkhas Rifles soldier Hon Lt Menbahadur Gurung, who is the President of the North East Scotland Gurkha Association and the vice patron of the Animals in Warfare Association Scotland.
Hon Lt Gurung said: “As we gather here, I'm also thinking of Derek. “I have no doubt that he's watching over us with pride. On behalf of the Gurkhas, I would like to extend our heartfelt respect and tribute to Derek.
“His memory and contribution are deeply cherished. It is with immense gratitude that I thank each and every one of you for your efforts in organising and restoring this plaque. “This event not only honours our past, but also offers us a chance to reconnect with the community in a meaningful way.
” Mr Murray rounded off the proceedings with some closing remarks, lauding the efforts of the many - often unsung - volunteers who made the plaque restoration happen. He added: “It was back in 2011 that the then Portgordon Community Harbour Group raised the issue of renovating and resiting the Gurkha plaque to a more accessible area and it was agreed to find a way of doing that. “The chair of the group at the time was none other than the late Derek Murray and, 13 years later, it was Derek who instigated the plaque's eventual removal and renovation.
“So I say thank you to Derek, who sadly, as you know, is no longer with us, but remains in our hearts.” As a token of respect, the three special guests were presented with commemorative plaques and, in a nod to the original project, miniatures of Famous Grouse whisky..
