Angus and Eileen were married in Johnstone the following year by what was then referred to as a “Mixed Marriage” as Angus was a Protestant and Eileen a Catholic. This never presented any issue as both families were delighted and in 1965 Andrew was born and soon after Douglas in 1968.

It was years later when close friends moved to Clashmore near Dornoch in 1975 that the McFadzean Family first travelled so far North for a holiday. On visiting Dornoch beach, Eileen asked about the beach opposite to be told, that is Portmahomack. The next day they travelled to Portmahomack to explore the area. They instantly fell in love with “The Port” and spoke with The Smart family who had a caravan site at the end of Harbour Street. A deposit was paid and it was booked for the following summer holiday at the end of July.

The holiday at the Port then became an annual pilgrimage along with friends they had met from Edinburgh, Bill & Anne Gall and their two children Derek & Avril. Andrew & Douglas enjoyed free times and room to roam while learning to fish from the harbour or the rocks at the lighthouse. It was within the next few years that Andrew & Douglas began making close friends with the other children from the village. This was to be the greatest gift Angus & Eileen could have given, as even to this day, the boys enjoy a great friendship with so many people who they first met in Portmahomack.

In 1986, Andrew & Douglas ventured on their first holiday abroad with 4 of their friends from The Port all the way by coach to Le Cape D’Agde in the South of France. There were also trips North once the boys were 17 and driving their own cars to birthday parties in The Caledonian. Summer holidays would never be the same again and there were always great adventures during the summer holidays and also for New Year. First Footing back in those days at New Year was a 2-3 day event going around all the houses and meeting and greeting everyone you know in a safe environment and enjoying a dram and good food. Many relationships were formed and much love was shared over the coming years, the most endearing lasting until this day.

Angus and Eileen were happiest when relaxing at The Port enjoying the amazing view and returned several times in later years and always stayed at Dolphin View now managed by the next generation of the Smart Family, Stuart & Sandra. Eventually it will be the Grandchild, Shirley, taking the reins to continue welcoming visitors.

It was October 2020 after short illnesses that both Angus & Eileen passed away within a short space of time. They were devoted to each other and were rarely apart in 60 years of being together. We are truly grateful for what they achieved and provided. Together forever.

We are grateful to the Smart Family for their support locating the perfect place for the commemorative bench and to our dear friend Alan More who helped so much. The engravings on the planter are a nod of gratitude to them both. We would also like to thank the people of Portmahomack who make the village what it is today, for generations to come and for all to enjoy.