LEGION’S TALKSTO PROTECT FUTURE

Blairgowrie branch set for meeting

Discussions are due to take place in the hope of mapping out a sustainable future for Blairgowrie’s Legion Scotland branch.

The Blairgowrie, Rattray and District branch of the charity which supports the country’s ex-Service community recently revealed the bar at its George Street clubrooms has ceased trading, with two members of staff being made redundant as a result.

The decision was taken in December after a decline in turnover, something made worse by the restrictions associated with the global Covid-19 outbreak.

And the committee behind the venue is currently considering how the branch can continue ahead of its AGM, which is set to be held next month subject to virusrelated guidelines nearer the time.

Jim Gibb, a retired colonel, is chair of the local branch.

He said: “The Blairgowrie branch of Legion Scotland regrets that, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, it is not yet permitted to re-open.

“Declining turnover, made worse by Covid, led to the bar ceasing trading at the end of December and two staff being made redundant.

“The committee is considering how the branch can operate in future.”

Blairgowrie and Glens councillor, Bob Brawn, emphasised the“vital”role he felt the charity played in the lives of ex-servicemen and women.

The Conservative elected member said:“I was sorry to hear that, as a result of the pandemic, the Blairgowrie branch of Legion Scotland has had to make two staff redundant following the bar ceasing trading, and that there are concerns as to the future of the branch itself.

“Legion Scotland plays a vital role in the lives of ex-servicemen and women, some of whom have given much in service of their country. It is far more than a place to gather socially.

“I can only hope that, as the pandemic passes, the branch can recover and regain its important place in the life of Blairgowrie.”

Mr Gibb continued by encouraging members to renew their subscriptions.

He said:“When the restrictions are eased the date of the delayed AGM, hopefully in March, will be notified in the paper. In the meantime, it is important for Legion Scotland that subscriptions are renewed.

“Receipts will be retained at the branch for later collection.”

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the committee took the decision to cut uneconomic hours and the branch was latterly open from Thursday to Sunday.

Members – 60 per cent of whom were said to have had no previous military experience – regularly enjoyed activities such as carpet bowling, darts, dominoes, pool and, on Thursday and Saturday evenings, popular bingo sessions.