Steve honoured with top award
The secretary of Dalintober and Millknowe Tenants’ and Residents’ Association received one of eight awards up for grabs at this year’s Tenants’ Information Service (TIS) National Excellence Awards.
Steve Byrne was presented with the Frances Nelson MBE Excellence Award in recognition of all that he does for the group, locally and nationally.
He collected his trophy from Scottish actor Gary Lamont and Councillor Anne Rendall of Dundee City Council, which sponsored his prize, at an awards ceremony and gala dinner at the Doubletree by Hilton Westerwood Hotel and Resort, Cumbernauld, on Saturday June 15.
The TIS National Excellence Awards, held in
association with the Scottish Government, recognise the ‘outstanding work, passion and commitment’ shown by housing organisations, tenants, residents and community groups across Scotland’s housing sector.
The categories honour excellence
in everything from partnership working and scrutiny practice, to digital innovation and community regeneration.
Steve, who has been a member of the association for 20 years, told the Courier: ‘It was a nice surprise to be shortlisted and an even nicer surprise to win.’
The first person he wanted to show his award to was the group’s chairperson, Cathy Duncan. ‘She got me involved with the association and everything stemmed from that,’ Steve said. ‘So she deserves some of the credit for this award.’
Cathy said: ‘We are all very pleased that Steve has received the award – it is a big achievement.’
Steve said his award recognised his work on a national level, with the Registered Tenant Organisation Regional Networks and the Scottish Government, as well as in Campbeltown.
‘It shows that small teams at the beginning of the road can influence government policies,’ Steve said. ‘Some people come to us before they go to councillors or MPs.’