Lochaber volunteers are celebrated at VOSCARS
It is estimated that more than 3,000 people volunteer in Lochaber, contributing to the local economy and helping make communities safer and more inclusive.
To pay tribute to the work of these vital volunteers, Voluntary Action Lochaber (VAL), in partnership with local organisations and supporting businesses, last week staged its VOSCARS awards in the Ben Nevis Hotel, Fort William, as part of Volunteers Week.
The Lochaber VOSCARS is an annual event organised by VAL and is now in its fourth year.
VAL manager Flora McKee said: ‘Volunteering plays a pivotal role in Lochaber communities. This event gives an opportunity to recognise and thank individuals and organisations for their work, support and commitment to volunteering.’
The independent panel of judges had a difficult task to select from the 75-plus nominations, the top three finalists and an even bigger challenge to then select the winner for each of the seven categories.
However, after detailed discussion and deliberation, this year’s winners and runners up were as follows.
Young Volunteer of the Year (under 25 years) – winner, Tammy Cooper; runners-up, Alexander McDougall and Lorna MacCorquodale.
Volunteer of the Year (over 25 years) – winner, Tommy MacGregor; runners-up Susan MacMillan and Pat Abernethy.
Best Organisation Nevis Partnership;
Mallaig Pool Centre. Board/Committee Member of the Year – winner, David MacFarlane; runners-up, Iain Blythe and Norma MacLellan.
Organisation of the Year – winner, Lochaber Sensory Care; runners-up, Talk Lochaber and Kinlochlovin’.
Good Neighbour – winners, Marion and Brian Ham; runners-up, Susan Beck, Margaret and John MacDonald.
Lifetime Achievement – winner, Donald Young; runners-up, Chris Robinson and Cathie Stevenson.
Bringing the event to a close, Grace Grant, VAL vice-chairman, told the assembled gathering: ‘We would like to thank each and every person who was nominated or nominated a volunteer or organisation.
‘Without your contributions the awards would not be the celebration that they are.
‘To all volunteers, many of whom do not consider themselves as volunteers, on behalf of Lochaber communities, we thank you all.’
Supporting – winner, Landscape runner-up, and Leisure