'We will miss you calling at our doors': Tribute to retiring Portskerra postman at special gathering
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A much-loved and widely respected postman in north Sutherland received a "special" tribute from members of the community on his last round.
Crowds of well-wishers gathered in Melvich on Saturday, January 13 to bid farewell to Billy Mackay, known locally as "Billy The Post", who has served the area since March 1986.
The special day marked Mr Mackay's final mail delivery through the villages of Portskerra, Baligill, Strathy, the Point, Brawl, Laidnagullen and Armadale.
Mr James Horne, former postmaster at West End stores presented Mr Mackay with a collection from the communities, totalling £3480 – a reflection of the esteem in which he is held.
This was presented in a ‘special delivery’ envelope with a card thanking him for his commitment to delivering mail around the district and "wonderful" community spirit he has shown over the last 37 years.
A cake with an embossed photograph of Mr Mackay and his van and the words "Billy – First Class Postman" was also unveiled, along with a framed photograph presented by Patsy MacAskill and Jennifer Griffiths.
Rosemary Cameron read out a fitting tribute to Mr Mackay, which was followed by three cheers.
In her tribute, Ms Cameron said: "The householders of Portskerra, Baligill, Strathy, the Point, Brawl, Aultiphurst, Laidnagullen and Armadale, not forgetting some well-wishers from their new postal addresses, would like to express their gratitude to you for delivering the mail to our homes, and especially for, the wonderful community spirit which you have shown over the past 37 years.
"You will be dearly missed, but we all sincerely wish you happy times as you begin a new chapter in your life, having all day doing the things you enjoy most. You truly have been a 'first class' work colleague and a reliable friend to all. We will miss you calling at our doors."
The crowd were entertained by Strathy musician Carol Anne Farquhar who played the accordion and bagpipes.
Mr Mackay then walked to the Melvich Hotel, the starting point for many of his delivery rounds, in a fitting end to the afternoon.
Piper Carol Anne led the way, closely followed by Mr Mackay's post van, driven by his successor Colin McEwan, and the many well-wishers from the surrounding villages that will miss him calling at their doors.
Thanks were given to Paul Barrett and Flora Mackay for allowing the outdoor event to take place at their premises and to keen photographer Alan Mackay for capturing the event, and Carol Anne for the music and to the children and adults who helped out on the day.
