Montrose charity dynamic duo retire after raising more than £500,000.

Charity: Pair’s hard work and home baking talents have raised a phenomenal amount of money

A pair of well-known local stalwarts from Montrose retired from their fundraising efforts at the weekend, after raising more than half a million pounds for good causes.

A weekend coffee morning was the last for Ann Thomson and Iris Mair, whose efforts have seen charities including Poppy Scotland, Horseback UK, Santa Claus in Montrose and Spinal Injuries Scotland benefit from their hard work and home baking talents.

Ann’s granddaughter Courtney, who attends every fundraiser, said: “My Nana and Iris have both given up so much of their own time to benefit others.

“They have raised a phenomenal amount of money for so many deserving charities locally and nationally.

“I feel so honoured to have been a part of this journey with them and extremely proud of what they have achieved.”

“I know that, like me, the whole community are hugely grateful for their sterling efforts. COUNCILLOR TOMMY STEWART

During the time the pair were Poppy conveners from 1997, they reached the highest pence per head donation in Scotland, an impressive average of £1 per head from Montrose and district.

Iris and Ann were recognised for their efforts when they jointly received the Citizen of the Year award from Montrose Rotary Club.

Montrose and District Independent councillor Tommy Stewart said: “Ann and Iris have done absolutely amazing work over many years, and to have raised more than half a million pounds is just incredible.

“My charity, Santa Claus in Montrose, has benefited from their efforts in the past, and I know that, like me, the whole community are hugely grateful for their sterling efforts.

“Every year in December, Santa Claus in Montrose raises funds that are distributed to good causes, and we were delighted when Ann and Iris boosted our work with a generous donation.

“I think something that really will be missed though is their excellent coffee.

“I know people who go to a lot of coffee mornings in Montrose, but often complain that the coffee is never as good as when Ann and Iris make it.

“Although their efforts, as well as their coffee and home baking, will be sorely missed, I know that everyone locally will wish them the very best for their fundraising retirement.”

Picture: Paul Smith. Iris and Ann, second and third left, are flanked by Isabell Fowlie, Betty Watson and Helen Anderson as they bid farewell to their fundraising days.