On Thursday 19th September we dedicated the McCorquodale stone. This engraved stone had once formed part of the wall of the McCorquodale Hall at the Aberlour Orphanage. After the demolition of the buildings, the stone had gone to Stirling where it lay in the grounds of the Aberlour Childcare Trust offices. As they were moving to new headquarters this year, they approached Hugh Fraser, Chairman of the Aberlour Community Association, to ask if Aberlour would like to have it returned. Hugh in turn approached the church and we were delighted to accept the offer. Hugh's grandson, Ben Morrison, kindly fetched the stone from Stirling and Hugh arranged to have it cleaned by Garry Laing, a local stonemason. It now sits in the entrance porch of the church.
The McCorquodale Hall was used as the boy's dining room at the orphanage. It was a rather splendid hall and was used also for dances, film shows and other social events. The benefactors were Mr & Mrs George McCorquodale who lived at Dalchroy, now known as Tulchan Lodge. We were delighted to welcome Edmund Wood, a great-grandson, and Richard Heywood, a great-nephew, to the dedication service. Mrs Mary Heywood was also present as was George Knight, who in his youth had been resident for 10 years at the orphanage.
L-R Edmund Wood, Richard Heywood, George Knight, Mary Heywood,Nicola Irwin,
Kath Davies, Rev Roy Vincent and Daphne Laity