Celebrating Lewis and Harris volunteers

The Volunteer Centre Western Isles hosted the event which gave recognition and thanks to both young and older volunteers.

Callanish and Saltire Youth Awards were the first to be marked, with primary children from Sgoil an Rubha receiving their Callanish Awards (for volunteers under 12) for two events: a beach clean- up with a Royal Family theme and a Big Breakfast to raise funds for Cancer reserch.

Saltire Awards (12 – 24 years olds) were then presented to: Isabelle Graham – 200 hours; Scotty McCranor – 10, 200, and 500 hours; Lyndsey Fraser – 10hrs; Catherine Anne Hunter- 10hrs; Caitlin Macleod – 200hours; Debbie Hunter – 200 hours; Joanne Maclean – 100 hours and Nicola Finalyson – 500 hours.

Older volunteers who both help out at Alzheimer Scotland (Lewis and Harris) were also given awards for their dedication to volunteering with the group: Alec John Macleod getting a Kisimul Award (for adult volunteering) and Donald George Morrison getting a Clisham Award (for outstanding service).

The main awards were:

Young Volunteer of Year Winer: Nicola Finlayson; Runner Up: Kieran Gilroy

Volunteer of the Year (Lewis) Winner: Donald George Morrison; Runner up: Alasdair Martin

Volunteer of the Year (Harris) Winner Lucy Macdonald; Runner up: Jean Donaldson – award accepted by Mairianna MacDonald who made the nomination.

Services to Volunteering (Lewis): Members of the Cancer Research Isle of Lewis Committee – Kay Mackay; Catherine Gomez; Murdina Macdonald and Joan Stewart.

Services to Volunteering (Harris) : Ethel McNally – accepted by Gillian Scott – Forrest who made the nomination.

Organisation of the Year Joint winners: Stornoway Old People’s Welfare Association (Lewis Retirement Centre) and Newmarket Gateway Trust; Runner up – Nicolson Institute Interact Club.

Pictured above are representatives Lewis Retirement Centre and Newmarket Gateway Trust who were jointly awarded Organisation of the Year.