Black Isle businessperson awarded British Empire Medal for raising over £1m for charity
A BLACK Isle businessperson has been presented with a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of his fundraising for a host of local charities.
Culbokie’s William Gray, the managing director of Ark Estates (Scotland) Ltd, has raised over £1m for numerous Highland charities over the years.
The honour was awarded to Gray in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024 for the Culbokie resident’s services to charity in the Highlands.
William has also masterminded a number of large fundraisers or events for local causes. Notably, he was the driving force behind 2021’s Maggies 500 Cycle which saw 40 local business leaders — including William — cover 500 miles across the Highlands in five days. The event raised over £400,000 for Maggie’s Highlands Centre at Raigmore, Inverness. The centre provides free, vital practical and emotional support for people living with cancer and their families.
Running since 2022, William was a key organiser for the annual Bridge to Bridge Highland Cycle which has raised over £270,000 for Dream Believe Achieve, The Elsie Normington Foundation, The Leanne Fund and DAY1 Training and Mentoring, amongst others.
On receiving his honour, William said: “It’s really special and humbling to receive this award in front of you all. Everyone in this room has played their part in supporting the charity events I have been involved in in recent years and I feel like I am receiving this on behalf of all the brilliant people who have made their own contribution to help so many worthy causes.
“Without a supportive family — particularly my wife Barbara — and a brilliant team of co-organisers, sponsors and volunteers around me none of the events I have done would have been anywhere near as successful as they were.
“I see this award as a testament to the Highlands and its community. There are too many people and businesses to mention who have volunteered their time, skills, facilities, products etc to support our events — but I’ve yet to hear the word ‘no’ when asking for a favour — and that’s incredible.”
Hosted by Willie and Barbara Gray on Feb 15, the event The Storehouse promised ‘Ceilidh, Craic and Celebration’ with a special appearance from Kenny and Michael from local band, Torridon.
