Recognitition for Buchan Volunteers at Awards Ceremony

Aberdeenshire Council has held its annual awards ceremony which recognises the hard work of hundreds of dedicated volunteers in the area. The Aberdeenshire Council Volunteer Awards were held at council headquarters, Woodhill House in Aberdeen, last night (Thursday).

Front Row (l to r) Christine Grant; Lorraine Wood;
Aberdeenshire Provost Jill Webster; Liz Moir; Irvine Simpson.
Back Row: (l to r) Cllr Lenny Pirie; Cllr Stephen Smith

The annual event is held in tribute to the dedication of thousands of people across Aberdeenshire who give their own time to provide care, support or education for others or make improvements in their community.

Aberdeenshire councillors were invited to nominate two local residents for an award, in recognition of their outstanding voluntary work in the community.

Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith nominated Liz Moir and Irvine Simpson, both of Boddam Community Council. Liz is the founding secretary of BCC and was instrumental in setting up the Community Council after the previous one fell into abeyance. Irvine is a well-known face around Boddam as he works hard to maintain the village’s flower tubs and carries out a lot of grass-cutting of the village’s green spaces.

Central Buchan SNP councillor Lenny Pirie nominated Lorraine Wood and Christine Grant. Lorraine spent 27 years volunteering with the Boys’ Brigade and is a fundraises for Cornerstone, while Christine has is involved with animal charities, notably the Cats Protection League, which she has assisted for 16 years.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“It’s always a very difficult task to nominate only two volunteers from the local community each year for recognition. In nominating Liz and Irvine, we have two great examples of people who have been involved in the setting up of a new voluntary body from scratch – Boddam Community Council – because they wanted people in their village to have a voice.

“Liz does a huge amount of work as secretary of the Community Council, while Irvine is very ‘hands-on’ and can be found most evenings either cutting grass or watering plants to ensure Boddam and Stirling Village is a bright and welcoming place.”

Cllr Lenny Pirie added:

“There are so many volunteers doing great work in Central Buchan, but I was delighted to nominate Lorraine and Christine for their awards.

“Both of them have spent a considerable number of years working hard for their chosen interests. Local organisations rely on a steady flow of volunteers and are the lifeblood of our communities.”

Aberdeenshire Provost, Jill Webster, said:

“The hard work of our many volunteers helps to boost civic pride in Aberdeenshire’s communities and undoubtedly contributes to our consistently high quality of life ratings.”