1st Fraserburgh Boys Brigade

07/06/2026

Well done to Liam for volunteering with other members of the Buchan Battalion Boys' Brigade today at the Fraserburgh Vintage Car Rally Official

05/06/2026

On we look at the Battalion’s Duke of Edinburgh work!

The DofE offer is run from the 1st Strichen Boys Brigade who in turn open it up to other Companies as well as external groups. The organising of classes, exams, practice hike and actual hikes across the varying levels takes a great deal of time and commitment from the organisers, largely Steve Wilson, Mushy and Grant Duthie.

The other side of the Voluntary Service with DofE is the Volunteering carried out by the candidates which again benefits local communities.

We thank all instructors, facilitators and participants for the voluntary service they give through DofE!

05/06/2026

Well Done Ross!

RE-ELECTED

The President and Exeuctive of the Buchan Battalion were pleased to learn that Ross Duthie has been re-elected for a second term on the Scotland Committee.

Ross was nominated by the Buchan Battalion and received the most votes in what was likely a very close contest.

We wish Ross all the best as he continues in this additional voluntary role.

03/06/2026

On the 3rd day of Volunteers Week 2026, we give thanks to our Company Section Leaders!

Each week they work with our young people, giving them lot's of opportunities, including assisting them in working towards their higher awards! As per the Junior Section, you will notice most of the officers came up through the company as boys!

02/06/2026

On the 2nd day of Volunteers Week 2026, we give thanks to our Juniors Leaders!

Each week they run a fun and varied programme for our Juniors, most of the leaders in the Junior Section were themselves Juniors in 1st Fraserburgh once upon a time so know how the section works well!

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01/06/2026

On the 1st day of Volunteers Week 2026, we give thanks to our Anchors Leaders!

They do such a fantastic job every Tuesday evening with the Anchors! Thanks Ladies & Lewis!

16/05/2026

KINGS BADGES

Well Done to Craig & Lewis who yesterday evening were presented with their much deserved King's Badges at our Company & Seniors Awards Evening!

Over the past 2 sessions they have put in a power of effort with the various pieces of volunteering, skills and their physicals and residentials.

Lewis volunteered with our Anchors section, and was getting glowing reports from Tracey, and Craig with the Juniors and did a grand job each week assisting with running our programme & games!

Well Done guys, your a credit to 1st Fraserburgh!

14/05/2026

Alan ‘Boo’ Ritchie
1965-2026

The President, Executive and all in the Buchan Battalion have been extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Alan Ritchie – known as Boo – at the young age of only 61 years.

Alan joined the ranks of the 1st Fraserburgh as a young boy under the captaincy of Alastair Sinclair in the 1970s and was an enthusiastic, popular and active member of the Company. It was through the BB that he was introduced to music, joining the Company Band in 1978. His original intention was to play the bugle but following a car accident he was unable to continue with the instrument. This led Alan to trade in his bugle for the Drum Major’s mace, the sight of Alan swinging it at the front of Company and Battalion parades becoming iconic.

As a boy in the Company Alan was skilled in PT, in his senior BB years he was part of teams which won the coveted Battalion Town Council Shield – in those days hotly contested between the old rivals 1st Fraserburgh and 4th Fraserburgh. He achieved the Queen’s Badge – the highest award in the BB – in 1984 and quickly became a Warrant Officer and Lieutenant whilst continuing his bandswork.

As an Officer he was most active in the Junior Section, serving under Jan Noble until his succeeded her as Officer-in-Charge in 1987 at the very young age of 22. In those days the Juniors could have a roll of up to 40 boys, requiring a great deal of time and dedication from Alan and his fellow officers.

His time as OIC was short, marrying Shona in 1990 he resigned all his positions with the 1st Fraserburgh. It just so happens his new wife had been involved as a leader in the 5th Fraserburgh Anchors, attached to the Congregational Church, from 1984. The Company could make use of a skilled and experienced officer like Alan and as such he joined their staff team. He mainly helped again with the Junior Section under Tommy Whyte before again Alan eventually succeeded him as Officer-in-Charge for a number of years to about 1997.

Whilst away from the organisation Alan never forgot his BB roots. In many ways he wasn’t allowed to, being invited back to be Inspecting Officer of the 1st Fraserburgh Juniors in 2012 and to present President’s Badges to members of the 5th Fraserburgh in 2018, showing the respect and gratitude both companies had and have for Alan’s service.

All in the Battalion send their sincere condolences to Alan’s wife Shona, son Adam and Alan’s wider family at this incredibly sad and difficult time.

11/05/2026

BLUE LIGHT FESTIVAL

Great to see members and officers from 1st Fraserburgh helping at the blue light festival yesterday along with 4th & 5th Fraserburgh!