The new man at the helm of Arbroath’s oldest secular organisation has spoken of his ambition to ensure the historic body is fit for the 21st century and beyond.
Retired boatbuilding firm boss Harry Simpson has succeeded Ian Ballantyne as the Dean of Arbroath Guildry, the origins of which stretch back to 1725.
Today, the body exists acts principally as a charitable trust with the objective of promoting civic pride and community spirit.
It once held extensive power within the burgh, having originally been incorporated as part of a deal between the town council and merchants of the day to pursue the building of a new harbour to improve trade in the coastal community.
Until his retirement two years ago, Mr Simpson was the director of well-known local firm Mackay’s Boat Builders and he has described his appointment to Dean as a great honour.
“I hope to continue the great work of our previous Deans and, in particular, of our immediate past Dean, Ian Ballantyne, who is quite an act to follow,” said Mr Simpson.
“In the four years Ian has been in office, Arbroath Guildry has continued to go from strength to strength, attracting a very high calibre of members and providing thousands of pounds of financial support to deserving organisations, causes and individuals in and around Arbroath.
“It is my intention to follow Ian’s lead and recruit new members to Arbroath Guildry, raise the Guidry’s profile further and ensure it continues to support good causes, encourage civic pride and highlight our town’s strong sense of community spirit.”
The body also has a newly-appointed Box Master, local journalist Wendy Glass, whose first job was working in her family’s fish shop, Alex Pert’s, in the town.
“Wendy has been a member of Arbroath Guildry for several years and she is passionate about ensuring as many people as possible realise just what a wonderful place Arbroath is to live and to visit,” added Mr Simpson.
He also paid tribute to retiring clerk Michael Sowden after eight years in the role, and he has been succeeded by Robert Dickson.
“With the help of Ian, Wendy, Robert and all the other members of our excellent organisation, I am looking forward to continuing our historic traditions while also ensuring Arbroath Guildry is fit for the 21st century – and beyond,” Mr Simpson said.
