National Award for Inverlochy SOS group

The Inverlochy play area was put forward by Lochaber Play Forum for the Nancy Ovens Trust Award for "The Best Design of a Play Experience"

The award was presented to the group on Friday (9 September) by Patricia Ferguson MSP, Minister for Sport, Culture and Tourism at a ceremony in Coatbridge.

Mrs Tracey Findlay who accepted the award on behalf of the Inverlochy Save our Swings Group (SOS) said: "It is very rewarding to see the hard work of community- spirited volunteers achieving recognition. We wish to thank the New Opportunities Fund, Scottish Water, Cllr. Brian Murphy, and the people of Inverlochy for the money we raised for the project. We would also like to thank Alastair Young, Contractor for work he carried out free of charge, BSW Sawmills for materials donated, and the chairman of SOS Campbell MacLean, who unfortunately couldn’t be here today, for his leadership and dedication to the project. Also Lochaber Play Forum, especially Samantha Reynolds from Voluntary Action Lochaber, and Ricky McNab of Highland Council TEC Services for their invaluable support and encouragement."

Cllr. Murphy said: "Lochaber Play Forum has proven to be an excellent partnership tool for levering in more funding for play areas throughout Lochaber. This innovative approach empowers communities to take responsibility for their local play areas, supports their fund raising activities, fully involves the local children in the design of their play areas, and choice of equipment, and commits the Council to take on the ongoing maintenance once the new equipment is installed. The Lochaber Play Forum approach has been successful in improving play areas all over Lochaber, and as a result it is now being taken up throughout Highland Council’s area."