Royal honour for a ‘familiar face’

A TURRIFF farmer awarded the Queen’s Police Medal was surprised when

the Queen said she recognised him.

Hugh Duncan (65) had never met Her Majesty before the medal presentation at Buckingham Palace, but in conversation she explained she recognised him from his association with the Highland Ponies Society, of which Mr Duncan was the immediate past president and the Queen is patron.

Mr Duncan, of Craignetherty Farm, Netherdale, received his award for 44 years service as a special constable with Grampian Police.

He said: “It was a great day and a very proud moment for myself and family.

“The ceremony lasted for an hour and I was the last to be presented, so the Queen had time for a few words.

“She asked me how long I had been in the police and what I did. Then by complete surprise she said she recognised me from the reports on the work of the Highland Ponies Society.

“I had never met her before and it showed how much of an interest she takes in the many groups and organisations she is patron of.

“I was one of about 100 people being presented with awards and it was a real cross section of people ranging from community workers to lords. There were also a lot of people from the forces.”