Oldmeldrum's Royal British Legion Scotland branch celebrate president's 90th milestone
The Oldmeldrum branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland has marked the 90th birthday of one its long-standing members.
Current president Syd Ross has been involved with group for more than 60 years and celebrated his personal milestone recently.
Mr Ross is an active member of the legion and has won awards for his work keeping the town's war memorial in pristine condition.
Chairman Jim Ritchie said: "Syd was born in Tarland in 1931 and moved to Oldmeldrum as a teenager.
"He completed two years national service with the Gordon Highlanders in the early 1950s, serving in Malaya and Singapore.
"He is also a very talented piper and on completion of his national service joined the Territorial Army remaining in it until he was forced to retire due to age.
"In 2007, as vice-chairman, he became a Royal British Legion Scotland life member having been awarded the national certificate for meritorious service.
"He has now served more than 60 years as a committee member of the RBLS Oldmeldrum branch in various roles, and is currently the branch president.
"At the age of 90 he is still actively involved in legion business making sure the village war memorial is in a permanent tidy state and has won awards for this. He is an inspiration to the all committee officers that serve under him.
"He prides himself on attending Armistice parades and still collects in all weathers during the Poppy Appeal.
"He enjoys inviting people into the Oldmeldrum branch museum and telling the stories. He attends and contributes to club and area meetings.
"Everybody at the branch is grateful to Syd for his exemplary service and wish him a very happy 90th birthday and hopefully there are many more to come."
