Celebrating 50 years as a Trust volunteer

Finlay McKichan joined the Trust as a member in 1963. He began volunteering for the Trust in 1974, attending the second meeting of the Aberdeen & District Members’ Centre. His initial role was honorary secretary before being appointed as the centre’s second chairman. Finlay has been on the committee ever since and is currently the excursion organiser and newsletter editor.

He was previously nominated for the first Chairman’s Award in 2014 and received the George Waterson Award in the same year. In 2024, Finlay received the Trust’s President’s Award to celebrate and acknowledge his 50 years of dedication to the Trust. The award was presented to Finlay at Crathes Castle by the Trust’s Chief Executive, Philip Long.

Established in 1974, the Aberdeen & District Members’ Centre focuses on promoting the Trust’s work in Aberdeenshire, raising funds for the Trust, and enhancing the membership experience by organising visits and hosting discussions on specialised topics. 

Also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, the Aberdeen & District Members’ Centre commemorated this milestone at the Town House in Aberdeen, where they were granted a civic reception. The event was hosted by the Lord and Lady Provost of the City of Aberdeen and attended by several local councillors.

Since 2003, when its records began, the members’ centre has raised more than £70,000 to support the protection of Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage. With just over 80 members in 2024, the centre organises a programme of activities throughout the year, including recent visits to Drum Castle, Castle Fraser, Leith Hall, Fyvie Castle, Pitmedden Garden and Haddo House.

Finlay McKichan, committee member of the Aberdeen Members’ Centre, said: ‘It is a privilege to receive the President’s Award for 50 years of volunteering with the National Trust for Scotland and a pleasure to have been a committee member of its Aberdeen & District Members’ Centre almost continuously since it was formed in 1974.’

Iain Hawkins, the Trust’s Regional Director for the North East, said: ‘Over its 50-year history, the Aberdeen & District Members’ Centre has been a great support to the National Trust for Scotland. The dedication of our volunteers like Finlay and the Members’ Centre’s fundraising activities enable the Trust to continue our work in caring for and sharing special places in Scotland. We are very fortunate to have the support of numerous Members’​ Centres and Friends’​ Groups across the country.’

Find out more about the Aberdeen & District Members’ Centre.