Service to Lochaber

Dr Smith retires from Craig Nevis practice

Friends and colleagues from several Fort William medical practices joined Dr Alison Smith in The Moorings for a ceremony to mark her retiral as a GP. Dr Smith has been a partner at Craig Nevis for 31 years, serving not only many patients but as a trainer for young doctors spending time in local practices as part of their course before deciding if they should follow a career as a GP.

Rev Richard Baxter takes up new charge in Glasgow

Members of Fort William, Kilmallie and Kilmonivaig congregations gathered for a shared service to bid farewell to one of Lochaber’s most popular clergymen as he leaves to take up a new calling in Glasgow. Reverend Richard Baxter came to what was then known as Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church of Scotland in Fort William six years ago from a charge in Fife, quickly settling into his new role with the combined Congregations of Duncansburgh MacIntosh. Over his time the parishes further united into what is now Fort William Kilmallie Church of Scotland.

John retires after thirty nine years as a fi refi ghter

After 39 years protecting the community of Lochaber as a retained fi refi ghter, John Campbell has retired from Scottish Fire and Rescue. At a get together in his honour his friends and colleagues praised his skill and knowledge, which many said had made them all better fi refi ghters. Marty McKenna (left) said: “He gave me my fi rst job as a joiner when I was 16 and went on to help me join the fi re service when I was 23. Myself and all the other guys as sad to see him go as we have learnt so much from him over the years, but as the old saying goes don’t be sad it’s over, just be glad it happened”.