When the Gurkha's arrived in Portgordon during the mid eighties it must have been a strange experience for the villagers to see these soldiers (an engineering regiment) working on the harbour structure.

69th Gurkha Independent Field Squadron arrived in Portgordon, as a result of a collaboration with numerous bodies, to repair the harbour which at the time was in rapid decline. They arrived in 1985 and immediately set to work on repairs. It is a fact they worked hard in some difficult conditions. It is also a matter of record that they won over the villagers and were well liked by the entire community

: Gurkhas hard at work

A Second visit

Once again, this time in 1987, the Gurkha's returned to carry out more work on the harbour structure.

: Once again, hard at work

: Thousands of miles from his homeland - working for Portgordon

A Third visit

The third visit came about in 1988 during which time a new slipway was constructed. By this time the Gurkha's were a part of the community and when talking to some of the residents today of those past times one can feel the genuine warmth for a group of men they admired and respected and, by all accounts, the feeling was mutual. There are tales that some of the Gurkha's returned to see those with whom they had forged a friendship and who can blame them for once you have stayed in this place you never forget. Wonder what the Gurkha's would make of the regeneration plans for the harbour. We may never know but one thing's for sure. Without the work the Gurkha's did in the past the harbour would not have a future.

Do you remember them?

: Unforgettable

This photograph taken at Gordon Square is a wonderful record for future generations who having heard of the exploits of the Gurkhas can actually see some of the men involved. Another famous victory for these fine fighting men

Bibliograpy : The Life and Times of a Village - Author: Dr Peter H Reid

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