In August 1962, Mr Andrew Lyon of Turriff ('Turriff's Milk King' - above with Mrs Lyon) donated the McRobert Park gateway in memory of his grandfather, also named Andrew Lyon, who farmed  for many years in the area and latterly at Craigiebrae, Aberchirder.  The gates bear the name Lyon between the centre top bars.  The official presentation was carried out by Miss Lyon of Aberdeen on Foggie Show day.  She is pictured below with Mr Lyon, left, and Provost Taylor, right, who accepted the gift on behalf of the people of the village.

It was received from Mrs H Ballantyne of Perth Australia, who had posted it on 30 March 1963.  It is transcribed below.

My sister who lives in Aberdeen, sent me the above cutting some time ago now, and I couldn't resist writing to say it was a lovely gesture on your part to present the lovely gate for the Pleasure Park of Aberchirder in memory of your grandfather Mr Andrew Lyon of Craigiebrae.

I was born at Oldmeldrum, where my Father was whisky brewer at Glengarioch Distillery for over 35 yrs.  His mother (my Grandmother) lived on a small croft near Finnygaud farm & we spent most of our school holidays there.  It was half-way between Aberchirder & Cornhill.  My Father used to come there for week-ends & on Sundays he & I walked to the church (at foggieloan) & after the service we met your Grandfather & he drove us to Cragiebrae to have dinner there, & believe me it was one of the happiest times of my young life.  Your Grandfather & Grandmother were two of the nicest people I have ever met, & they were loved and respected by all.  Finnygaud farm was owned by a family named Cowie.  There were 5 sons & 4 daughters. One of the daughters, Jessie by name, married a farmer near Turriff by the name of Cruikshank.  She was a lovely woman, but I guess they will all have passed on by now.  Perhaps their son will be at the farm now.

We came out here in 1907 56 years ago, so we are Aussies now.  We have just had a visit from the Queen & the Duke & I think they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  I have a friend living just around the corner & she belongs to Turriff.  Taylor was her name, & she had a brother Dod Taylor who worked for "Hutcheons" the grocers for 50 yrs.  Perhaps you knew him?  he died recently.

Well, Mr Lyon, I hope you will be able to understand this letter but I just had to write & tell you about dear old "Cragiebrae".

I am in my 89th year.
Yours sincerely
H. Ballantyne.