Aberdeenshire post box painted gold to honour Baillie’s Olympic win

Olympic win: The post box has been painted gold to mark Baillie's victory.

A post box has been painted gold in Aberdeenshire to honour Tim Baillie’s victory in the Olympics.

The Scots canoeist scooped an Olympic gold medal along with partner Etienne Stott in the two man canoe slalom on Thursday.

Royal Mail has now painted a post box gold to mark Baillie’s win in his home town of Westhill.

Members of Aberdeen Kayak Club, along with friends and family, gathered to cheer on the duo as they realised their Olympic dream. A special stamp featuring the pair has also been issued to honour their achievement.

Baillie began paddling when he was aged just four, encouraged by his parents who were both keen members of Aberdeen Kayak Club.

Derek Thompson, the head teacher at Westhill Academy, expressed his joy at the former pupil's achievement.

He said: "Staff and pupils at Westhill Academy are very proud of what Tim has achieved.

"We were all very pleased when we heard he had been picked for the Olympic team and are now delighted at the news that his hard work and dedication have been rewarded with a gold medal.

"It is a fantastic personal achievement for him, and I hope it will also act as inspiration for others at the school."

Great Britain also scooped silver in the event, with Scot David Florence and partner Richard Hounslow impressing.

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