Lifetime achievement award for Archie

A HARD working councillor has received a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to local government in this region. Archie Dryburgh was honoured at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) annual Charity Awards, in Glasgow last Thursday. Archie, who has been a Scottish Labour councillor since 2007 and currently serves as armed forces champion, said: “Obviously, it was a surprise and very humbling that the National Council of APSE felt that I deserved such a wonderful accolade. “I believe if you’re going to do a good job you need good people to support you and in this local government life, the more the merrier.” Paying tribute to his fellow member, council leader Cllr Stephen Thompson said: “Archie’s commitment to public service and his tireless advocacy for veterans and their families have made a lasting impact not just in Dumfries and Galloway, but across Scotland. “This award is a fitting recognition of his dedication, humility and leadership. We are proud to have him as part of our council.” A former Gordon Highlander, Archie is well known for his advocacy for veterans and their families, having led commemorations for events such as the WWI centenary and the Quintinshill Disaster. He was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to the armed forces and local authority, and in 2024 was named Role Model of the Year at the Scottish Veterans Awards.