Thurso group marks 140 years of the Boys’ Brigade with baton handover

A painting to mark the 140th anniversary of the Boys’ Brigade has been unveiled at Thurso railway station as part of the organisation’s celebrations.

Viscount Thurso revealed the artwork – done by members of 1st Thurso Boys’ Brigade – after a baton with a message from the king was handed over.

The baton is being passed on to various areas as part of a north of Scotland relay. By the end of its journey, it will have travelled to all Boys’ Brigade companies in Highland, Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Buchan, Moray, Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles.

Thurso Pipe Band played and a boy from 1st Thurso came in on the train and handed the baton to former captain David Smith, who then handed it too Viscount Thurso. After unveiling the painting, he then took the baton to Pennyland House, where the baton was handed over to Esther Slater, Orkney Battalion Boys’ Brigade, by Johanna Geddes.

Pentland Brass Band played in front of Pennyland House alongside a selection of boys from various sections of the 1st Thurso Company.

The baton contains a message from the king, which is read out to every BB Company visited. His Majesty passes on his "warmest congratulations" on the 140th anniversary which he describes as "a remarkable milestone". He says the organisation provides "valuable opportunities to young people”.

The baton was last used in 1983 to celebrate the BB’s centenary.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.