Falkirk Herald photographer Bob Wallace has received Royal recognition for his service to a cancer charity.
Wallace found himself on the other side of a camera lens when he received an award from the Princess Royal during her visit to Strathcarron Hospice, near Falkirk.
The commendation was a complete surprise to 64-year-old Wallace, who hangs up his camera for good at the end of the month. He said: “I knew I was going to be here as a guest, but I didn’t know I was getting this certificate. I thought they were inviting me because it was the last time I would be at a Royal visit.
“I’m very honoured. It’s nice that Strathcarron Hospice and the Princess thought so much of what I have done, even though it’s just a part of my job – a very enjoyable part of my job.”
During their meeting, Wallace and the Princess reminisced about the first time he took her picture – 34 years ago in Livingston. He said: “I had checked and told her that the first time I took a photograph of her was on 18 August 1970, when she was just a lassie. She said she remembered that time and she wished me well in my retirement.”
The long-serving photographer has worked for Johnston (Falkirk) Limited for 36 years, including spells at the Livingston Post and Linlithgowshire Journal & Gazette, as well as the Falkirk Herald.
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