MSP Congratulates New Deer On Winning Calor Scottish Community Of The Year

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has congratulated community activists in New Deer on winning the Calor Scottish Community of the Year Award at a ceremony in Edinburgh today.

Mr Stevenson, who was present at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre with South Buchan councillor Norma Thomson, expressed his delight at the award, the second time in the last five years that a community from Banff & Buchan has scopped the top award.

Speaking after the awards ceremont, Mr Stevenson said:

“I am absolutely delighted for the village and for the community activists who have helped bring this award to Buchan.

“There is no doubt whatsoever that the “never say never” attitude displayed by the village when it was faced with losing its only bank was a key factor in all of this. It is quite unprecedented for a community faced with the withdrawal of a bank to take the campaign to other financial institutions and manage to attract a new bank to set up in the village.

“There are many other facets of village life which make New Deer such a great place, but this campaign was absolutely key and I am thrilled for the campaigners that their hard work has been recognised in this way.”