Highland Success At Young Quality Scot Awards 2009

Nominations for this year’s Young Quality Scot Awards in Highland came flooding in and twenty young people have received the accolade of Young Quality Scot.

The Young Quality Scot Awards, which are a partnership between Quality Scotland and councils across Scotland, look to recognise and reward young volunteers in Scotland. The young people from across Highland have all given their time voluntarily to a wide variety of projects within their own communities.

The poor weather meant the group were unable to get together for their skills development training, supported by the Highland Council Youth Development Team, but on 5th and 6th March the Highland group took part in the national celebration, this year hosted by Aberdeenshire Council, in Huntly.

As a part of the event all groups give a presentation about issues facing young people in their area, as well as attending a civic reception and are presented with their certificates.  The Highland group this year made an excellent presentation about transport issues and access to facilities. 

Rebecca Raynes, Senior Youth Development Officer, said “The young people made a real impression with their presentation which highlighted an issue they had real concern over.  We were privileged to work with them and were pleased to be able to highlight their achievements.”

The Young Scot Awards were presented to the following Highland young people for their voluntary activities;

Caithness

• Robin Falconer from Wick for voluntary work with Highland Youth Voice, Caithness YouthBank and in particular the transport campaign group.

Sutherland

• Natasha Mackay from Strathy for work with Sutherland YouthBank, the local youth forum and Highland Youth Voice;

• Emma Adam, Kinlochbervie for voluntary work in various community and cultural projects including the local Geopark;

• Chelsey Ross, Kinlochbervie for supporting after school activities locally and acting as a role model;

• Fifi Greasley, Lairg for work with CHOC clubs and various local cultural projects;

• Magnus Monahan, Ardgay for his work chairing Highland Youth Voice;

Skye and Lochalsh

• John Lewis Munro, Plockton for work with Highland Youth Voice, local youth forums and youth clubs;

Ross and Cromarty

• Michael Kay , Alness for volunteering in the local youth club and active involvement in his local community;

• Siannie Moodie, Conon Bridge for supporting Blue Light Discos and representing the views of young people in her area;

• Meghann Richardson, Aultbea for wide ranging voluntary work within her local community, school and ATC;

Inverness

• Katie O’Fee, Farr for work as a gymnastic coach within her community;

• Phi MacDonald, Inverness for work with Inverness Youth Forum, the Scottish Youth Parliament and the UK Youth Parliament;

• Neil Craig,  Inverness for work as a cub and scout leader, in sports coaching and supporting more vulnerable members of his community;

• Siobhan Johnstone, Inverness for volunteering as a sports coach for primary school children;

• Murdo Traill , Inverness as a sports coach for primary school children;

• Scott Russell, Drumnadrochit for work as a voluntary community sports coach;

• Andrew Gilchrist, Fort Augustus for volunteering as a sports coach for primary school children;

• John Mackinnon, Fort Augustus for volunteering as a sports coach for primary school children;

Nairn:

• Mark Bain, Nairn for work as part of the Dreams and Teams cultural exchange project with Malawi and as a peer educator;

Lochaber:

• Michelle Wardlaw, Spean Bridge for providing support to Breast Cancer Care through her involvement in a significant fundraising project.