Kinlochleven youngsters win accolades at awards

Kinlochleven had fantastic representation at the Lochaber ‘VOSCARS’ event this year.

Rebecca Machin, head teacher of Kinlochleven High School, said she was delighted to see her pupils singled out for their volunteering efforts.

‘Lorna MacCorquodale and Tammy Cooper were nominated as Young Scot Volunteers of the year (under 25). Tammy won and Lorna was one of the runners-up, contributing more than 750 hours of volunteering between them – a really incredible achievement,’ she said.

‘Tammy has been an amazing volunteer throughout her time at Kinlochleven High School, in a range of activities – from being back stage “mum” at drama performances to supporting and leading sporting activities during lunch and after school.

‘During her final year in S6, Tammy has added more than 160 hours to her total SALTIRE hours, taking her to more than 350 hours during her school career.

‘She has also shown great initiative. As there are no bus stops between Duror and Glenahulish, Tammy devised a map for the P7s living on this route, indicating where all the senior pupils get on and adding on the new stops that would be needed for our new pupils next year.

‘We shared this with Stagecoach and the feeder primaries. She then volunteered to come in, during her exam leave, for the first transition day, to make sure everything went to plan.’

Kara Gillespie, youth development officer for Kinlochleven who has worked with Tammy on her Youth Achievement Award, collected the award for Tammy who unfortunately could not be present.

Mrs Machin also praised Lorna: ‘At the end of S4, Lorna has the highest total of SALTIRE hours I have ever known recorded for a pupil – a whopping 407 hours.

‘I genuinely believe I am going to see my first pupil receive a 500-hour certificate next year. Incredible.’

It was a great day for Kinlochleven with Kinlochlovin’ reaching the last three for the Organisation of the Year and Susan MacMillan reaching the final three for the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Mrs Machin added: ‘Amazing stories and a great way to celebrate Volunteers Week 2018. Well done to everyone involved and thank you to Voluntary Action Lochaber for organising such a great event.’