Brechin provides a trio of Angus Ambassadors
BRECHIN came up trumps at last week's Angus Ambassadors Awards ceremony in Forfar, with one local firm, a local man and a local organisation all picking up well-merited awards.
Local man Bert Smith, managing director of Merpro, has been named Angus Ambassador of the Year 2009.
The Brechin Youth Project was recognised for its sterling work with youngsres in the local community and Forster Roofing also picked up an award for their work, not only in the roofing industry, but also with a project which encourages involvement from school leavers.
The Angus Ambassador Awards are an annual celebration of the very best of the people, the communities and the businesses of the county.
At the award ceremony on Friday, Bert was presented with this prestigious accolade, sponsored by Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort, in recognition of his outstanding leadership at the helm of the Montrose-headquartered company.
"The Angus Ambassador Awards give us the pleasure of recognising and rewarding every one of our exceptional winners," commented the Provost of Angus, Ruth Leslie Melville.
"However, every finalist in these awards is a winner, demonstrating that success comes through commitment, initiative, drive and ability.
"Angus is a county which recognises, nurtures and encourages these assets."
The 200 guests at the Angus Ambassador Awards heard how, in only 30 years, Bert Smith has transformed Merpro from a five-man operation into one of the largest employers in the area and a company whose groundbreaking innovations lead the way in the world's oil and gas sector.
It was also revealed that, as well as transforming Merpro into a global organisation with an annual turnover of over 25 million, Bert has helped other companies and further boosted the Angus economy through his membership of business support organisations such as Angus Economic Development Partnership.
At the ceremony, Bert was joined by six other stars of Angus - the other winners of this year's Angus Ambassador Awards.
Business Ambassador - Entrepreneurial Angus Award (sponsored by Enterprise North East Trust): Forster Roofing, Brechin - nationally-acclaimed for excellence in roofing and also for creating and providing a training scheme for local youngsters.
Highly Commended: Montrose Rope & Sail Company.
Community Ambassador - Pride of Angus Award (sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline): Brechin Youth Project - a drug and alcohol-free meeting place for the young people of the town.
Highly Commended: Carnoustie Allotments Association; Lilybank Diversity Team, Forfar.
Cultural Ambassador - Creative Angus Award (sponsored by Tayroots.com): JJ Laing Mania Dance Studio, Arbroath - Teaching contemporary dance and cheerleading to over 300 young dancers every week.
Highly Commended: Kinblethmont Gallery, by Arbroath; Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre.
International Ambassador –-GoAhead Angus Award (sponsored by Angus Council): James Bell, Carnoustie - encouraging the young people of Angus to help disadvantaged people across the globe.
Highly Commended: Angus College; Montrose Seafarers Centre.
Tourism Ambassador - Welcome Angus Award (sponsored by Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee): Arbroath Events - the team behind the highly-successful Seafront Spectacular Highly Commended: Caroline Millar, The Hideaway Experience, Balkello; Harbour Nights Guest House, Arbroath.
Youth Ambassador - Aspiring Youth Award (sponsored by Angus College): Stephen Barthope, Arbroath - one of the UK's top painters and decorators.
Highly Commended: Claire Smith, Monifieth; Hannah Stewart, Montrose.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Brechin
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
