History of Armadale Association

Past Members

The History of Armadale Association is saddened to report the passing of two of its dedicated, long-serving members during December 2009

Jim Lambie died on Monday 28 December 2009

Tom Smart and Jim Lambie

We shall miss his witty asides, his fascinating stories of Armadale, and his demonstration of his dedication to music.

Jim Lambie and Will Ferrier made significant contributions to the Armadale music scene over the years. Photos of them and other musicians can be found here:

Bands

Archive 5 (Tippethill concert)

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William Ferrier, born 4 June 1913 Armadale, died on 10 December 2009 at Kingsmead Home, Aberdeen, aged 96.

Saturday, 19 December 2009: A Service of Thanksgiving at Armadale Parish Church, followed by interment at Bathgate Glasgow Road Cemetery.

former Provost of Armadale (1955-1958; 1971-1975), long-serving member of Armadale Town Council which he convened in 1975; founding and long-serving member of Armadale Community Council; Atlas steel foundry worker (1930 - 1978)

His gritty determination and humour will be much missed by the group. Tam Dalyell's obituary of William Ferrier; Scotsman obituary

1955: Queen Elizabeth II is welcomed to Armadale by Provost, William Ferrier

Will Ferrier at Armadale Primary School's new Dux Board presentation by The History of Armadale Association on Friday, 8 March 2009.

Worthy recipients of the Ferrier Trophy offered by Mr Ferrier's daughter, Muriel, in honour of her father for citizenship and contribution to the life of the town

Betty Hunter being presented with the Provost Ferrier Cup by councillor Stuart Borrowman.

Elizabeth Hands, chair of Armadale Community Council, said, " Betty is a very worthy winner of the award, hard-working and popular and dedicated to her family and many interests."

June 2011

The last surviving Armadale town councillor, Willie Ferrier, died in December 2009. He had an exceptional career as a trades unionist - he was a moulder in the Atlas foundry for 48 years; as a musician as lead cornet with the Armadale Burgh Band; and as a politician. Mr Ferrier served two terms as the town's Provost. This means he is the only Provost to have welcomed the reigning monarch to the town (Queen Elizabeth in 1955) and he also convened the last ever meeting of the town council in 1975.

However, Mr Ferrier's service to the community didn't end when he retired from local government after his second spell as civic head. He joined the newly-created Armadale Community Council in 1975 and was still active as its vice-chair until a few months before his death at the age of 96.

Mr Ferrier's daughter, Muriel, decided to offer a cup in honour of her father for citizenship and contribution to the life of the town and asked the community council to take charge of the award.

The first award is made to Scott Mackay who is a member of the community council himself but also chair of the community education association and has done much of the work to create the new youth space in West Main Street.

Community Council chair, Elizabeth Hands said "Mr Ferrier was an Armadale man in so many ways and contributed across a wide range of aspects of the life of the town. We are pleased that Scott Mackay has agreed to accept this honour for his hard work not just this year but over a number."

Local councillor Stuart Borrowman was asked to present the cup to Scott (pictured here on the left receiving his award from Cllr Borrowman).

Councillor Borrowman said, "I knew Mr Ferrier for a long time and was honoured to be asked to take a cord at his funeral. Scott is a very worthy winner of this award. He has put in not just the time but also the ideas to so many organisations and initiatives that will benefit the town."

Mr Mackay modestly thanked all those who have worked with him on community projects but his own outstanding contribution has now been recognised.

June 2010