Citizen of the Year
Worthy winners are honoured
The Blairgowrie Citizen of the Year and Young Person of the Year were presented with their awards at the community market in the Wellmeadow on Saturday.
Well-known local resident Sandy Thomson was presented with the Blairgowrie Advertiser Cup at a special ceremony at the town’s market after being voted Citizen of the Year 2016/17.
And young Eve Campbell was presented with the Young Person of the Year award.
Sandy, chair of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Club (BRCFC), received the annual accolade in recognition of his efforts for the club and the wider community.
He was also commended for his involvement in other organisations such as the Eastern Perthshire Community Sports Hub, of which he is vice-chair, the Blairgowrie Town Hall committee, and Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council.
Introducing the awards, Ian Richards from Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council described Sandy and Eve as very worthy winners.
He said that generations of town’s sporting youth owed much to Sandy and referred to his many years as a leader for the Boys’ Brigade, praising his drive, leadership, energy and vision in everything he does for the town.
Accepting the award, Sandy said: “When I was told that I had won the Citizen of the Year award I was almost speechless and for anyone who knows me that’s a major achievement.
“I was surprised, shocked, but also extremely proud, honoured and privileged to even be nominated, never mind win. It is an understatement to say how delighted and chuffed I am.
“I am very fortunate to have so many hard-working volunteers behind me at BRCFC who are driving football forward in our area, so this is as much for them as it is for me - I am really only the spokesperson - so a big thanks to them for all their hard work behind the scenes. Thanks also to the members of the public who must have thought I was worthy of winning this and going to the trouble of filling in the forms.
“And thanks to my wife and family for supporting me in everything I do.
“Thank you all for coming to the market and supporting this event and making it a truly memorable day for myself and Eve - not bad for a Rattray boy and a Rattray girl to win the Blairgowrie Citizen of the Year awards!”
Introducing Eve, Ian said that the 12-year-old is thought to be the youngest recipient of the Young Person of the Year award.
The lead drummer with Rattray Marching Band, Eve was nominated for her hard work and commitment to the group.
Having joined when she was just seven years old, Eve is now a competent drummer and is helping pass on her skills to younger members of the band.
Ian thanked the Blairgowrie Advertiser, Something Special, the judges, Nationwide, Miller Gerrard, McNabs and the Strathmore Centre for Youth Development for supporting the awards.