He has been a champion fundraiser for charities that support military veterans, but now his focus is on raising even more for the Leanchoil project.
Albert Duffus, a former sergeant major in the Queen’s Own Highlanders, has been fund-raising since 2013 and has already raised £24,000 for Leanchoil through his annual golf competitions at Forres Golf Club.
Albert, 73, served for 28 years in the regiment. His father and four brothers also served, and at one point all six were in the same regiment. His home in Forres is adorned with mementos and pictures of his distinguished military background, as well as certificates and grateful acknowledgements of his fundraising achievements from veteran’s charities. Atop of all these is the British Empire Medal, awarded for fundraising for veteran’s charities and for services to boxing.
Speaking this week, Albert says the Leanchoil project will be vital for the area.
“I know many veterans who will be glad to see it up and running as a wellbeing and support centre,” he said.
“I was born there, and I think it’s an ideal place, with the grounds and space inside to really help veterans who are either alone and needing some companionship or help in some way. It’s a great place to just chill out and enjoy it, which is sometimes all someone needs.
“Obviously I’m all for veterans benefitting, but it will be a place for pensioners and anyone else to get them out of the house and mixing with others. Sitting alone in the house can be a killer, so I can see the bigger picture than veterans alone; everyone can benefit.”
Albert and his wife, Sheena, play golf four times a week at Forres Golf Club where he holds his charity matches. The course is next door to Leanchoil, and Albert believes that a favourable tie-up between the two is quite possible to provide access to the game of golf.
“It keeps you active and your head busy,” he said. “And there’s a social element too, so many would benefit from getting into the game.”
The impetus for fundraising came after his son, Mark, was killed in Afghanistan while working for an American security firm in 2013. Of the 90k raised so far since that first charity golf match, much of the money has been given to Erskine Veterans and Poppy Scotland. However, since the Leanchoil project came into being he has made the Leanchoil Trust one of the main beneficiaries of his endeavours.
Lord-Lieutenant of Moray, Maj Gen Seymour Monro, who is also the President of the Leanchoil Trust, said Albert’s fundraising was inspirational.
“Albert was my Company Sergeant Major in Northern Ireland and Fort George.
“He has raised a tremendous amount for veterans’ charities, and we are very grateful he has decided the Leanchoil project is now his number one priority.
“Leanchoil will provide outstanding facilities and support for veterans and many other members of the local community. Albert is its biggest individual donor; what a star!”
There are 38 supported units planned for the Leanchoil project site, which will be available for a mix of ages that need some help to live independently. A pre-planning submission was made last week to Moray Council, in advance of a detailed planning application to be submitted later this year.
The trust has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Pilgrim’s Trust, the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Scottish Land Fund and others. It needs to raise a further 4.5million to complete the conversion work.