Presentation of the Freedom of Nairn

Mr. Ronnie M. Watson will be presented with the Freedom of Nairn during a special ceremony on Saturday (6 December) which will include a March Past by the Nairn and District Pipe Band.

This prestigious honour of the Freedom, which is rarely presented, has been granted by The Highland Council in recognition of his many years of service to the community of Nairn.

Born in the town in 1925, Mr Watson has only recently retired from running the family greengrocers at the age of 83. He was first elected as a Town Councillor for Nairn in May 1953 and participated in the Moray and Nairn Joint County Council, becoming Provost of the Burgh in July 1973.

As well as representing his community in local government, Mr Watson was president of the Nairn Pipe Band for over 30 years and holds the record of being the town’s longest serving Justice of the Peace.

The ceremony on Saturday will start outside Nairn Court House at 2.30pm with a March Past by the Nairn and District Pipe Band.  Invited guests will then move inside where Convener of The Highland Council, Sandy Park and Provost Liz MacDonald will pay tribute to Mr Watson and the contribution he has given his hometown over many years.  Family members and friends will then watch as the Freedom Scroll is officially presented.  Mr John Matheson from the Pipe Band will make an address before the ceremony ends with afternoon tea.

ENDS