Stalwart Betty hailed for years of 'sterling' service

Betty Hunter, 59, was chosen as this year's recipient of the Provost Ferrier Cup for Citizenship after years of "sterling" work in Armadale.

Mrs Hunter, who lives in Lower Bathville, has been a member of a number of organisations in Armadale over the years and is best known for her work as secretary of the History of Armadale Association. The association researches, promotes and publicises the history of the town.

She is also treasurer of the Armadale branch of the Women's Rural Institute and is involved in many projects which benefit local youths.

Elizabeth Hands, chairperson of Armadale Community Council, said: "Betty is a very worthy winner of the award, hard working, popular and dedicated to her family and her many interests."

Mrs Hunter retired from her role as manager of Armadale Library three weeks ago after starting there in 1986. She is originally from Fraserburgh but moved to Blackburn, West Lothian, before settling in Armadale in 1971.

She married husband Bill, a retired school teacher, the same year at the old Baptist Church in Bathgate and the couple have two daughters, Sharon and Elaine, and three grandchildren.

She worked at the Wellpark Library headquarters in Bathgate in 1968 before heading off to Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen to study college librarianship.

She returned to working part-time in the county's libraries in 1978 after taking time out to raise her family and was a senior assistant at Carmondean's in 1984. From there she moved to Fauldhouse Library before ending up in Armadale.

The late Willie Ferrier was twice Provost of Armadale and was involved in a wide range of political, musical and other local organisations. The cup was presented by his daughter, Muriel, on his death.

After receiving the Ferrier Cup, Mrs Hunter said: "I'm quite honoured to receive it. I respected Mr Ferrier very much and I was with his daughter, Muriel, when she was cleaning out some of his stuff when she said she wanted to mark his memory.

"I must say I am surprised to get it myself. I think there are a lot of people who deserve it more than me, so I think I'll dedicate to anyone who gets involved in their community and shows community spirit.

"Willie was a lovely and clever man. He was also treasurer of the history association and he wouldn't let a ha'penny go past him."

Armadale councillor Stuart Borrowman, who presented Mrs Hunter with the trophy, said: "Betty is a highly intelligent woman who makes a big contribution to life in Armadale. She probably knows as much about the history of the town and its people as anyone. She's a real asset to our community."