Eilean a’ Cheò Ward Civic Awards

Community groups and individuals living on the Isle of Skye received Civic Awards from The Highland Council at a special awards ceremony held in Portree on Monday (2 September 2013). The awards were presented to winners in recognition of their achievements and contribution to their communities.

Billy Reid, nominated by Kyleakin and Kylerhea Community Council, won the Community Award for his lifelong involvement and service to his local community. His membership and service to local groups was extensive including over 30 years on the village and then community council; and 20 years as local Justice of the Peace.

The Young People Category Award was presented to Alan MacKenzie for his contributions and voluntary work as Pipe Major of the Isle of Skye Pipe Band and his support for Skye Youth Pipe Band/Portree High School Pipe Band and the Youth Fellowship of the Church of Scotland.  He was nominated by Portree and Braes Community Council.

The Environment Category nominated by John Finlayson was won by Portree Primary School for improvements to the school grounds for the school and wider community.

Lorayne McLucas, nominated by Lorna Cormack, won the Arts and Music Award for establishing the Skyedance Committee in Skye and Lochalsh that has been a driving force behind the many dance genres now on offer in the area.

The Sport Category was won by Skye Sailing Club nominated by Rosie Somerville for the club’s on going achievements since 1998 as a recognised RYA Training Centre; contributions to the local economy as an employer and visitor attraction/experience for the tourism industry. The club has also launched world-wide ambassadors in the sailing 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 2014/15 awards. 

Speaking on behalf of The Highland Council’s Eilean a' Cheò Ward Members, who presented the awards, Councillor Drew Millar thanked the winners for their outstanding contribution to community life. He said: “Volunteering is not just enriching for the wider community it is also fulfilling for those who volunteer and we have some fantastic, enthusiastic people in Skye and Lochalsh who give of their time to us. We congratulate each award winner and also thank everyone for their nominations.”