Scottish Charity Awards winners announced

The community group behind an active playpark in Oban and an employee of Callander Youth Project Trust are among the winners of the Scottish Charity Awards 2016.

The winners of the awards were announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on 9 July.

Shulah Allan, Convener of Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), which organises the awards, said:

"I’m in awe of all the finalists and winners. Thanks to their efforts, more people in Scotland are receiving the support they need when they need it and we’re all more aware of important issues, and causes, which affect vulnerable people, and us all."

Friends of Oban Community Playpark won the Celebrating Communities award. This group created an inclusive outdoor active playpark for children aged 2 – 15 years in Oban, with over 40% of funds needed raised by the local community.

Elizabeth Cottier from Friends of Oban Community Playpark said:

"We are so delighted to win this amazing award. We could not have done this without the support of the whole of Oban and the surrounding villages, a fantastic community that really pulled out all the stops to support the fundraising in so many inspiring ways! We must also mention the unfaltering dedication of our Chair, Lyndsay Elliott, the rest of the committee members and all the support we have received from Argyll and Bute Council, Atlantis Leisure, Wicksteed Ltd, Sport Scotland and the many other charities that provided us with funding."

Chris Martin took home the Exceptional Employee for his work at Callander Youth Project Trust.

Chris has launched a number of social enterprises, including the five-star Callander Hostel and Bridgend Café, creating employment and training opportunities for young people, and generating income for the charity.

Chris said:

"I am both humbled and delighted to have won Exceptional Employee at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards. I am happy to work tirelessly in my role as I am a strong advocate of the fact that youth work changes lives and, as a product of good quality youth work myself, I am keen to facilitate opportunities for young people to engage with local youth work services."

Scottish Charity Awards 2016 winners

• Charity of the Year: Saheliya
• Celebrating Communities: Friends of Oban Community Playpark
• Charity Champions: Gordon Aikman & Lucy Lintott, MND Scotland
• Exceptional Employee: Chris Martin – Callander Youth Project Trust
• Cracking Campaign: Disabled Access Day – Euan’s Guide
• Perfect Partnership: Macmillan Cancer Support and Glasgow Life
• Digital Dynamo: The Libertie Project Limited

Visit the SCVO website for more information.