A CLYDEBANK man who has dedicated almost six decades of his life to the Boys Brigade received a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Hugh Hutchinson has been the captain of the 1st Vale of Leven Boys Brigade company since 2001, and has been involved in the BB since the age of eight.

The 64-year-old, who moved to Hardgate in 1980 before settling in Clydebank with wife Margaret, served as an officer in the 1st Bonhill company, before taking over as captain in 1997. With a lack of numbers affecting the other companies in the area – 1st Jamestown and 1st Renton – Hugh became the captain of the newly-created 1st Vale of Leven company in 2001.

Since then, he has helped more than 50 boys achieve the BB’s highest award the Queen’s Badge as well as supporting the boys on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

Hugh said: “I first got involved in the Boys Brigade when I was eight and I really got a lot out of it and the great pleasure about it is seeing all of the boys getting on in the world and making something of themselves. You hope that you’ve managed to play a part in that.”

Despite the increased challenges, Hugh still oversees more than 50 boys as part of the 1st Vale of Leven company.

He continued: “The numbers are declining and there used to be a lot of companies in Dumbarton and Alexandria. If you’re not doing the right things today, with all of the competition for kids’ attention, you won’t get any members.

“We try to offer a wide range of activities, including taking part in battalion events and getting coaches to Scotland games. You’ve got to have a varied programme, because not everybody is sporty and not everyone is academic.”

Hugh grew up in Bonhill and at the age of 22 he moved to Glasgow while working for British Telecom.

His final role with BT saw him as a customer services manager, before he took early retirement and spent 10 years as a subcontractor.

Hugh received the letter informing him of the award a few weeks ago, and was keen to thank others for the nomination and support.

He said: “You don’t get these kinds of awards on your own and you’re really only as good as those around you. The award is as much for all the kids, officers and others who do their stuff and don’t get to win awards like this or get the same recognition.”

The BEM is awarded for those involved in “hands-on” service within the local community through long-term charitable or voluntary activity.

Hugh will continue at the helm for the next few years, but is keen to pass the reigns of leadership soon.

He added: “I realise that I’m not getting any younger and so I’ll give it a few more years and then I’ll look to pass it on. It’s difficult to get people today, but I’ve got some great leaders and officers in the company that would be ready to take over.”