Eilean a’ Cheò Ward Civic Awards
Community groups and individuals living on the Isle of Skye, this week (17 May) received civic awards to recognise and celebrate their achievement and contribution to their communities.
The young people category award was presented to Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers Group for their production of the public safety information book ‘Angus the Puff’, which will is to be used by the Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue Service across all Primary Schools.
Isle of Skye Dolphins won the sport category and the arts and music award was presented to Mrs Rosemary Bungard from Raasay for her work with the Isle of Skye Orchestra and the Raasay Children in Music Learning scheme.
Mrs Margaret Duguid from Uig won the community award for her tireless fund raising for Cancer Care and services to the local Tuesday Club. The Viewfield Collective, who have undertaken a range of projects which benefit their members and the wider community, were awarded the environment award.
The enterprise category was won by Portree Primary School for their work in producing the dual CD/DVD in Gaelic and English, which has been sold all over the world.
Each recipient received a certificate and a specially-commissioned plate created by Uig Pottery, which they will retain for a year, after which it will be returned in time for the 2010/11 awards.
Speaking on behalf of the Ward Members, who presented the awards at the ceremony in Portree on Monday, Councillor Hamish Fraser thanked the winners for their outstanding contribution to community life. He said: “We are so lucky to have in our communities such dedicated people who voluntarily give of their time and talents to help others, care for our environment and improve our communities. We congratulate all the award winners and thank everyone for their nominations.”
At the end of the ceremony a special award was made to the four Scottish swimming champions, Megan Macleod, Hazel Macleod, Marion Docherty and Ruth Gordon in recognition of their achievement in the Scottish Schools Under 12s 50m relay swim earlier this year.
Councillor Drew Millar said such an outstanding personal achievement for the girls was worthy of recognition from the wider community. Councillor Millar also highlighted the commitment of the girls and their parents ,and spoke about the excellent new pool facility in the Portree High School which offered superior facilities for young people to excel at the sport of swimming.
Nominations for the 2011/12 Civic Recognition Awards will be an announced in the Autumn.