Ronnie bags himself a top citizen honour
Callander’s Citizen of the Year award has been won by a resident who takes a keen interest in tidying up the town.
Ronnie Forbes received the honour after he received two nominations from grateful townsfolk.
The decision on who should receive the accolade is made annually by Callander Community Council and Mr Forbes was councillors’ unanimous choice at their latest meeting.
The 66-year-old was born in the town and for many years owned and ran the popular Fiery Cross fish and chip shop for more than 25 years.
He went on to be the face of Visit Scotland’s tourist information hub in Main Street for a decade, directing thousands of tourist to some of Callander’s top beauty spots. He left his role there when Visit Scotland closed the facility in February this year.
He then had a brief spell working at the community-run visitor information centre which opened after the Visit Scotland facility closed.
A lover of fine whiskies, he has also formed the Callander Malt Whisky Society, which allows like-minded enthusiasts to get together monthly to discuss and sample their favourite tipple.
He was also recently installed as the RWM of Lodge Ben Ledi No 614.
Around 15 years ago, the grandfather-of-six began to take a keen interest in keeping the town clean and tidy.
One of the nominations read: “Ronnie Forbes has, for more years than I can remember, quietly and with no fuss, involved himself in many activities within our community.
“I will give some examples. Litter picking all over the place. I found him hoovering up the leaves in front of St Kessog’s