EXHIBIT 99.1

                                NEWS RELEASE

For Further Information

Contact:    Union Trust Company             September, 2004
            Jeannie Merchant

Telephone:  667-2504

For Immediate Release

                          UNION TRUST COMPANY NAMES

                     KAREN STANLEY TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ellsworth -  Peter A. Blyberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Union Bankshares Company, parent company for Union Trust Company is pleased
to announce the recent appointment of Karen W. Stanley to the Board of
Directors.

Stanley, co-owner of Stanley Subaru in Ellsworth has an extensive corporate
career including sales management and marketing experience with large
national corporations.  In 1982 she held the position of Vice President,
Personal Banking for Overseas Executives with Citibank N.A., managing and
promoting expatriate services for Fortune companies around the globe.

"We are fortunate to add such an experienced individual and civic leader to
our Board," stated Peter Blyberg.  "Karen's management expertise and
background in sales and marketing will be a valuable asset to our board."

The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Stanley in 2004 as the
Corporate Citizen of the year.  She is Treasurer of the Board of Trustees
for Maine Coast Memorial Hospital where she also sits on the QI and
Strategic Planning Committees.  She is President of the Board of Directors
for Hospice of Hancock County and a member of the Boards of Hospice Regatta
of Maine, DEAN, Coastal Acadia Development Corporation and the Castine Arts
Association.

"I look forward to working with a highly experienced board and most capable
senior management team who together are committed to providing exceptional
banking services through the community," stated Stanley.

Established in 1887, Union Trust Company is a full-service, independent,
community bank that is locally owned and operated.  From fifteen offices
Union Trust provides a variety of banking, brokerage, insurance,
retirement, employee benefit, investment, personal trust and financial
planning services to individuals, businesses, municipalities, and non-
profit organizations along the coast of Maine from Waldoboro to Machias.
Union Trust takes pride in delivering personalized, responsive service and
developing quality, innovative products for its customers.  Employing over
170 people, Union Trust has a documented record of consistent earnings
growth.  As of June 30, 2004, consolidated assets were in excess of $473
million.  Union Trust can be found on the Internet at www.uniontrust.com.