Betty Rhodick, community activist and founder of Lochgilphead Armed Forces Day

That this House notes with great sadness the death of Betty Rhodick of Lochgilphead, a community volunteer and fundraiser, whose activities across more than four decades, impacted just about everyone in the Mid-Argyll area; is reminded that although originally from Huntly in Aberdeenshire, following her marriage to Geordie, a member of the Queen’s Guard in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Betty settled in the village Kilmichael and immediately became an active member of Dunadd Community Council and the Women’s Rural Institute; acknowledges that Betty’s service to her community saw her volunteer for the local Health and Social Care service Integrated Joint Board, as well as the board of the Argyll Community Housing Association, where she championed many causes including giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament on behalf of travelling people in Argyll; recalls that through her work with the Mid Argyll hospital, the Richmond Fellowship and Enable Scotland, she supported and cared for people with learning disabilities living in her community; acknowledges however that Betty Rhodick will be best remembered for instigating and organising, along with husband Geordie and their family, the annual Lochgilphead Armed Forces Day, an event which has grown over the years to become one of the major events in Argyll and Bute; is delighted to know that shortly before she died, Betty’s contribution to her community was recognised when she was presented with the Argyll and Bute Council Provost’s Award by Provost Dougie Philand; and sends it deepest condolences to Geordie and the family.