COWAL and Bute volunteers were among the biggest winners at this year’s Argyll and Bute Volunteer of the Year Awards, with five major honours returning to the area.
Hosted by Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (ABTSI), at Dunoon’s Burgh Hall, the annual awards brought together volunteers, community organisations and guests from across the region to recognise those making an exceptional difference in their communities.
This year’s ceremony embraced a sustainability theme, with community stalls, a recycled fashion show, local entertainment and short films showcasing environmental projects from across Argyll and Bute.
Cowal enjoyed a particularly successful afternoon, collecting four awards across a range of categories.
Leading the celebrations was Jordan McKay, who was crowned Cowal Regional Hero for his outstanding commitment to Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club.
Travelling from Tighnabruaich several times each week, Jordan has created a safe and supportive environment for people of all ages while helping transform lives through boxing. Judges also recognised his work alongside Police Scotland, his support for neurodivergent children and the success the club has achieved under his leadership, including producing Cowal’s first four-time female Scottish boxing champion.
Cowal’s success continued in the sporting categories, where Neil Towart, of Holy Loch Sailing Club, received the Sports Coach of the Year award.
Neil was recognised for almost three decades of volunteering, coaching young sailors and contributing more than 400 hours each year to the Sandbank club through coaching, governance and maintenance.
The area’s next generation of volunteers was also celebrated as Hunter Black was named Young Sports Coach of the Year.
Hunter volunteers with Live Argyll Active Schools Shinty and Dunoon Camanachd Shinty Club, balancing his own playing career with coaching and refereeing while encouraging more young people to take up the sport.
Completing Cowal’s quartet of winners was Alex Bisset, from Live Argyll Community Learning, who received the Community Learning Volunteer of the Year award.
Judges praised the personalised support he provides to adult learners, helping people develop digital skills, literacy and numeracy while building confidence and encouraging lifelong learning.
Bute also celebrated success, with For Bute being named Volunteer Organisation of the Year.
The Rothesay charity shop was recognised for more than 13 years of supporting community groups across the island. Judges praised the organisation’s volunteers for raising thousands of pounds for local causes while creating opportunities that improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and benefit organisations including Bute Arts Society, Bute Island Radio, Bute Noir, Achievement Bute, Rothesay and District Novice Pipe Band, Crafty Hands, the Women’s Bowling Association and Bute Golf Club.
The island’s success was further reflected with Marlene Hill, of For Bute, reaching the shortlist for the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Cowal’s strength in volunteering was also reflected in the number of finalists.
Tom McCowan, Graeme Murray, Danielle Bancks, Mary Gorman O’Neil, Bill Aitchison, Pink Ladies of Argyll, MCR Pathways and Holy Loch Sailing Club’s St Ayles Skiff Team were all shortlisted across a range of categories, highlighting the breadth of volunteering taking place across the area.
The awards ceremony itself celebrated sustainability alongside volunteering.
Guests explored a showcase of community organisations before the ceremony, while a unique fashion show featured recycled and pre-loved clothing modelled by volunteers from organisations including Oxfam Dunoon, Girls Group Dunoon, Dunoon Players, Argyll and Bute Befrienders, ASIST and Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Development Team. Award-winning local musician Abigail Pryde provided live entertainment throughout the afternoon and presented the Gaelic Volunteer Award.
Takki Sulaiman, Chief Executive of Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, said: “Every nomination we received told a story of kindness, dedication and people going above and beyond for others. Choosing the finalists and winners was incredibly difficult because the standard was so high.
“Volunteers are at the heart of communities across Argyll and Bute, giving their time, skills and compassion without expecting recognition. We hope these awards shine a light not only on this year’s winners and finalists, but on every volunteer who helps make our communities stronger, more connected and better places to live.”
This year’s Volunteer of the Year Awards were supported by Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership, Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll Community Housing Association, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and the friends and family of Mavis Henderson.
