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Sonia is a Kentish Maid – an historical title for those born to the west of the county and Royal Tunbridge Wells is in West Kent. Right from early years, supporting the community and doing what you could to benefit others was something that her parents were very much involved in, so being in the kitchen helping mother make an abundance of cakes for social evenings was the norm! Studying shorthand and typing, Sonia left school at 16 and began her working life in Insurance. With marriage and children, there became a chance to volunteer in the local play group and school as well as supporting her father who became Chair of a residents association. She returned to employment when a large, new Boots the Chemist store opened in town. Recognising her natural talent in this environment meant that she was quickly promoted to Supervisor level. With the ability to create a desire to succeed, team building, drive and enthusiasm she soon found herself rising through the management levels becoming Sales Manager then moving to Operations and Project Management with responsibility for store upgrades. Moving within the company to other stores, in Outer London and Sussex she eventually earned a Store Managers role. In 2002, with husband David, they decided they needed a kinder, gentler lifestyle and discovered Portgordon. Before too long, Sonia became involved with a group who wanted to revive the Village Newsletter and the Portgordon Post made its appearance in 2013. Appointed as treasurer meant that funding opportunities were necessary to keep the publication current. She recently assumed the role of Vice-Chairman and Finance Director in 2023 for the Trust. Working as a team, many innovative events were organised, reaching out to the wider community, encouraging participation, also obtaining funding for the benefit of the village residents. She is also currently responsible for the Village Hall accounts. Sonia and David have 2 daughters and a grandson.

Denise and her family have been resident in Portgordon since 2004, relocating to the village from Maidenhead in the south east of England. Denise was born near Newcastle but has lived in several parts of the UK and overseas. Denise started her working life in an office but quickly left to achieve her ambition to become a qualified horse riding instructress. These British Horse Society qualifications led to employment opportunities in various parts of the UK and overseas. After returning from overseas Denise was head groom for the Sultan of Oman at his estate in Berkshire. Having finally decided to get a “proper” job Denise worked in several office based roles for a number of years. Before relocating to Scotland Denise worked as a European Training Officer for a large car rental company, helping to develop and implement training courses for bespoke software systems used by the organisation. After being made redundant Denise became a self-employed I.T. Tutor and was involved in teaching evening classes to students who wanted to obtain their European Computer Driving Licence qualification. Denise also taught I.T. classes in her local university in Slough. Since moving to Portgordon Denise has worked in the charity sector. Denise has worked for third sector organisations for many years, initially assisting and supporting self-directed support employers to recruit staff, and providing ongoing support relating to recruitment, employment law, payroll and training. Denise is currently working for an organisation that aims to alleviate loneliness and social isolation for older people through telephone befriending and tea parties. Denise is an active volunteer in the village, she has been a village hall committee member twice, has been a community councillor and is currently chair of the Portgordon Post. Denise also volunteers for Moray Council and Food Train connects.

Sandy has lived in Portgordon all his life, even in the same house! Educated in Portgordon Primary School, completing education in Portessie and Buckie High School. He has had a varied career in different industries. he got his first job as a carpet fitter with Firth Furnishers, Buckie, moving onto Wymess of Elgin. When they closed, he moved onto working with Greencastle Fish, Portknockie as a fish filleter/labourer. From there he changed careers to the hospitality industry, working in the Marine Hotel, Buckie, moving up to Head Club Steward at the Masonic Club, Buckie, where he remained for 24 years until the club closed. he took up taxi driving with May Taxi's before he moved into my current role with Tesco, where he has been for the last 13 years.  

Susan McLennan has lived in Portgordon all her life, attending Primary School here before going to Buckie High School. Her first job was in the legendary Portgordon institution that was Jockie’s, (Esslemont’s in Station Road). Susan then worked in retail for WH Smith, then in the Clydesdale Bank, then worked in the Revenue Team at Moray Council, and is now the dental receptionist at the Muirton Dental Practice in Buckie, where demonstrate the highest attention detail and excellent customer care. Susan is a well-known figure in Portgordon “nivver aff the heid o the road” walking Jessie (or sometimes Susan is walked by Jessie). Susan lives in High Street West, with her partner Phil and son Jack, absolutely committed to Portgordon both a native but also as someone who deliberately chose to stay here.

Younus originally comes from Croydon but grew up in New Cumnock in Ayrshire. He moved to Buckie in 2011, after meeting Amanda, playing Words with Friends online. Since moving hered here he has worked for an offshore winch hire company, then as an engineer for Dyson, and is now a field service engineer for Costa, covering an area from Orkney to Edinburgh. Younus is an avid biker, currently riding a KTM Superduke GT, R1, and a Bandit, He is a branded member of Widow’s Son North Chapter, and is a founder member of the Lodge St Columban 1858 based in Aberdeenshire which has a strong biker theme. Younus is very passionate about Portgordon – he is getting married in his garden, in the village - and intends to live here for the rest of his life; he lives in Stewart Street and relishes the amazing sea views and sunset. Younus is highly practical, describing himself as good at fixing things, and a bit of tinkerer.

A long-standing resident of Portgordon, this trustee has lived in the village since 2011 and brings more than 30 years of experience from the education sector. That career began in Aberdeen and the Shire before moving on to schools across Moray, including Portgordon, where a strong connection with local young people has grown.

Outside of work, interests include playing the flute and regular walks with her dog, Ashley, often along routes that pass the Primary School, where children like to offer a biscuit.

Bio to follow