From Toronto to Kinlochbervie: Special ceremony welcomes new UK citizen
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A prominent member of the Kinlochbervie community has been recognised as a new Citizen of the United Kingdom – 28 years after moving to the country.
Welcomed by Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott, Margaret Meek spoke of her 'delight' at receiving her citizenship certificate at a special ceremony in Dingwall on March 23.
She and her husband, Mr Hector 'Murdo' MacPherson, made their way through heavy rain from Kinlochbervie on route to the east coast.
Three Highland councillors were in attendance as registrar Mrs Sara Krzyzanowski conducted the ceremony, which was described as 'perfectly run'. Thanks were then given to Mrs Krzyzanowski for a 'proper, rewarding and successful' morning which was enjoyed by everyone.
The ceremony was well received by Mrs Meek, who is a native of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and has made her home in the Highlands since 1995.
After meeting her husband while he was studying at the University of Toronto, the couple were married in Scotland in 1980. They returned fifteen years later as a family to make their home in Kinlochbervie.
Since then, Mrs Meek has become a valued and widely respected person in north-west Sutherland, most recently holding the post of secretary with the Kinlochbervie Community Company and also representing the village as a community councillor.
Her past involvements also include Kinochbervie After School Club, North West Training Centre and North West Community Bus Association.
Mrs Meek said: "I was delighted to receive my citizenship certificate. It was a lovely small ceremony with the certificate being awarded by the Lord Lieutenant of Sutherland.
"I have lived in the Highlands since 1995. My husband Murdo was born in Inverness and both of my children are British. I love Scotland. It is my home and I feel privileged to be a UK citizen."
