Wick harbour master honoured for 24 years' service as Danish vice-consul
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Wick harbour master Malcolm Bremner said it was "a great privilege" to receive an honour this week marking his 24 years as Danish vice-consul in the town.
Mr Bremner was awarded the Knight’s Cross of First Class of the Order of Dannebrog at a gathering of family members and other invited guests with the Danish ambassador to the UK, Lars Thuesen, joining by video link.
The honour was bestowed upon him by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark in January 2020 but the ceremony was delayed by the pandemic.
It went ahead on Monday in Mackays Hotel, against the backdrop of a Danish flag, with the insignia being presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness, Lord Thurso.
The honour was given to Mr Bremner (67) in recognition of his "valuable services" as vice-consul of Denmark since taking on the role in 1997.
Willie Watt, Vice-Lieutenant of the county, introduced the proceedings and said Mr Bremner had always been on hand to assist Danish citizens.
Mr Watt said: "It is a great day for Malcolm and his family to witness this highly prestigious award being presented to a man who should stand tall and proud for all that he has done for Denmark, Wick harbour and our local heritage.
"The Danish connection stretches back to the war years and then on to the times when the light blue fleet regularly came to fish alongside our own boats in Wick, and now Danish boats arrive as pleasure craft to our lovely marina. Malcolm has always been on hand to assist the many Danes that landed in Wick that required help or advice."
Ambassador Thuesen, speaking from the Danish embassy in London, said: “The honour was bestowed on Malcolm by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II with effect from January 1, 2020, in recognition of his valuable services as vice-consul of Denmark.”
Covid-19 prevented the ceremony from taking place at the embassy as intended. “As we all know, it has been difficult to travel and meet in person ever since," the ambassador went on.
"For this reason, the order was kept safe at the embassy in anticipation of the day when a ceremony would once again be possible.
“Malcolm was originally invited to my residence in London for the presentation but, as you know, meetings and travel are still restricted and limited, so I am very happy that we found this alternative.”
Mr Thuesen said Mr Bremner had always been “incredibly helpful” in supporting members of the Danish community.
“Denmark has strong links throughout history with Scotland and there are many examples of close co-operation between Scots and Danes," the ambassador said. "With all these ties and partnerships it's important to the embassy to have a good man on the ground in the area – and we have that.
“It is a great honour for me to ask Viscount Thurso to make the presentation."
Lord Thurso told the ambassador: “It is an honour to perform this task on your behalf and that of Her Majesty the Queen.”
After the presentation, Mr Bremner said: “It's an honour and a great privilege to be awarded the Knight’s Cross of First Class of the Order of Dannebrog.
"I was bestowed this honour in January 2020 but due to Covid restrictions my trip to London was postponed. But with a few emails and a few telephone calls this is what has happened today. I was kept informed but I didn't realise how much organisation went into it.”
Mr Bremner explained that his vice-consul duties have ranged from issuing passports to helping with driving licences and postal votes as well as general enquiries, "more so this last year due to Covid".
He said: “Possibly the most rewarding aspect has been helping any Danish national when in hospital in adverse circumstances. Just having someone to talk to, and who can make contact with their country's consul, gives them great peace of mind.”
Mr Bremner thanked his family, especially his wife Angela, for supporting him in the role.
