The 70-year-old is a well known local, having served as Lockerbie Academy’s principal teacher of biology from 1971 until his retirement in 2009.
But these days he is more commonly found at Eskrigg Nature Reserve, an ever growing community reserve on the edge of town and a glowing jewel in Lockerbie’s crown.
And it is Mr Rae who the town have to thank for the wonderful seven acre piece of land.
It was more than 30 years ago that Mr Rae first learned of the site, an old curling pond, and with plenty of town backing, the reserve was born.
Since the late 1980s the site has expanded, offering everything from a bird hide to ‘access for all’ pathways.
And now Mr Rae’s over 30 years of dedication and commitment to the reserve have been honoured with a BEM and a place on the Queen’s New Year Honours List.
Read the fully story in next week’s Annandale Herald – out Friday.
