Former Presidents Recognised

At a special presentation ahead of the club’s home game against Gala, MRFC’s past Presidents gathered at the club and were presented with an official MRFC President’s Pin, a small but significant token of appreciation for their contribution to the club over the years.

MRFC Presidents from over the years (TOP ROW L TO R: Colin Scott, John McGhee, Martin Gill, Jackie Lambert, Blair Stewart, Andrew Johnston, Robert Nelson, Brian Jardine, Keith Buchan BOTTOM ROW L TO R: Duncan McMillan, Gordon McLanachan, Russell Anderson, John Talac)

Current MRFC President Blair Stewart presented the pins at the President’s lunch, where all Presidents were invited and individually honoured for their presidency from their predecessor. 

Blair Stewart shakes hands with Duncan McMillan

When addressing the group, Blair Stewart stated that of the 33 past Presidents in the club’s history, 17 were still alive and expressed his delight that 13 of these were able to be present on the day to receive their pins. The day before the ceremony, Blair Stewart and Vice President Ian McMillan visited the club’s oldest living President George Innes (#12) in hospital and honoured him with being the first to receive a President’s Pin. Sadly, George passed away a few days afterwards. David Robertson (#16) and Malcolm Mackintosh (#22) were also unable to attend due to ill-health and will be presented with their pins separately. Robin Veitch (#30) will be presented with his pin before the club’s match against Jed Forest this week.

The presidents who were honoured were Duncan McMillan (#14), Gordon McLanachan (#19), Russell Anderson (#20), John Talac (#21), Robert Nelson (#24), Jackie Lambert (#25), John McGhee (#26), Colin Scott (#27), Martin Gill (#28), Keith Buchan (#29), Andrew Johnston (#31) and Brian Jardine (#32) before Blair Stewart (#33) was inducted himself.

Blair Stewart commented, “The club has long considered a way to recognise our past presidents and we’re delighted to have finally done this by way of an exclusive president’s pin, in gold and blue, in the shape of the club badge. It doesn’t say past president, it just says President. I believe that once you have been a president of the club, you will always be a president of the club. These men are role models and mentors to me and many more people besides.  The pin is something for them to wear with pride and something to distinguish them from others.”

Duncan McMillian presents pin to Gordon McLanachan

Russell Anderson presented his pin from Gordon McLanachan and Blair Stewart

John Talac presented his pin by Russell Anderson and Blair Stewart

John Talac presents pin to Robert Nelson

Robert Nelson places pin on Jackie Lambert

Jackie Lambert presents pin to John McGhee

John McGhee presents pin to Colin Scott

Colin Scott presents pin to Martin Gill

Martin Gill presents pin to Keith Buchan

Keith Buchan presents pin to Andrew Johnston

Andrew Johnston presents pin to Brian Jardine

Brian Jardine places pin to Blair Stewart