The Government will be told today (Thursday 4 March) that the long-term future
of the countryside is in jeopardy because so many young people are being forced
out of rural areas to find homes, jobs and support.
The alert comes from Dr Stuart Burgess - the Government's Rural Advocate - based
on evidence he has gathered from communities in all parts of rural England about
the fears, aspirations, challenges and needs of young rural England.
In a report being delivered directly to the Prime Minister, Dr Burgess says:
"Wherever I go, I hear deep concerns - that challenges with housing, work,
transport, training and social exclusion are preventing young people from living
in the countryside. Without young people to provide a work force, rural
economies are unable to fulfil their full potential and rural communities can go
into a decline.
"On top of this, lack of broadband and mobile phone coverage in many rural areas
is hitting young people and businesses alike - be it through recruitment and
employment, better access to learning and support services or enjoying the
connectivity that has become an everyday feature of urban youth culture, such as
joining a social network or getting internet help with homework."
At the same time, the Commission for Rural Communities, which Dr Burgess chairs,
will publish a 'State of the countryside' update, setting out the statistical
facts of rural life for children and young people, including the current rate of
outward migration.
Dr Burgess points out: "My clear message is that challenges for rural young
people need addressing positively and urgently and that failure to act will put
the future viability of our rural communities at risk. It is essential to break
the cycle of low aspirations and, instead, inspire young people to fulfil their
potential and play an active role in our society. My personal commitment is to
seek ways of increasing the engagement of rural young people with these issues
which so clearly affect their futures and find ways of harnessing their
enthusiasm and creativity to find imaginative new solutions which will benefit
us all."
As well as calling on policymakers to demonstrate a better understanding of the
challenges facing rural young people, Dr Burgess's report puts forward practical
solutions, including:
flexible planning to create more affordable rural housing;
new ways to meet employment and training needs in more isolated areas;
greater efforts by schools and universities to raise young people's aspirations;
a renewed focus on providing integrated public transport; and
a push to improve mobile phone coverage and broadband services in rural areas.
Friday 5 March 2010
MENTAL HEALTH BRIEFING EVENTS
Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership is running a series of briefing events during March where members of the public will be able to come along to hear about the progress that has been made in the design of future mental health services for Argyll and Bute.
The meetings are open to everyone and there will be an opportunity on the day to view the latest information, ask questions and give feedback to senior health professionals.
Derek Leslie, General Manager of Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership, said:
“Last year Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership carried out a formal public consultation on proposals for change to mental health services in Argyll and Bute and the preferred option was approved by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in the summer.
“Since then we have been implementing our project Plan and as part of this process we have arranged a number of briefing meetings across Argyll and Bute where members of the public can hear about the progress made so far.
“These meetings are open to everyone and I would particularly welcome and encourage attendance from people with an interest in local health service provision and local groups.
“At each event there will be an opportunity to view a display, listen to a short presentation, ask questions and give feedback on how well we are keeping to our guiding principles.”
The meetings are open to everyone and there will be an opportunity on the day to view the latest information, ask questions and give feedback to senior health professionals.
Derek Leslie, General Manager of Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership, said:
“Last year Argyll & Bute Community Health Partnership carried out a formal public consultation on proposals for change to mental health services in Argyll and Bute and the preferred option was approved by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in the summer.
“Since then we have been implementing our project Plan and as part of this process we have arranged a number of briefing meetings across Argyll and Bute where members of the public can hear about the progress made so far.
“These meetings are open to everyone and I would particularly welcome and encourage attendance from people with an interest in local health service provision and local groups.
“At each event there will be an opportunity to view a display, listen to a short presentation, ask questions and give feedback on how well we are keeping to our guiding principles.”
"FAIR FUEL TAX REGULATION REQUIRED" says Mather
The latest figures from the AA indicating that drivers here are being subjected to petrol tax increases far in excess of anything endured across Europe demonstrates why the Scottish National Party are right to call for the establishment of a fuel tax regulator. This was stated by Jim Mather, MSP, for Argyll & Bute, after his Westminster colleague Angus MacNeil MP, Comhairle Nan Eilean, had raised similar concerns in a statement issued in London earlier today.
Jim Mather said,
"For most Scottish MPs and MSPs the price of petrol and diesel impacts very directly on their constituents' day to day living. Living as they do in areas where much of what they need is dependent on transport, haulage and ferries, every rise in the cost of fuel impacts upon the costs of goods and services and makes the export of local produce that much less competitive.
Angus MacNeil has very properly highlighted the disparity that exists between the fuel tax regimes in the UK compared with other mainstream European countries. Since the Pre-Budget Report at end November 2008 Fuel Duty and VAT on petrol has risen here by 11.46%. In the same period the rise in Austria was 2.23% and the average increase over 10 countries, including France, Spain and the Netherlands is 5.07%. None of those countries are, like the UK, major oil producers. Figures for diesel are only marginally less damaging.
It is common knowledge that the Labour Government is intent on using fuel tax as a means of raising finance to pay off the bank bail out. They are keen to characterise this as taxing hauliers but the truth of the matter is that it is hard working people who are left to pick up the increased fuel bills.
We will continue to campaign at Budget time for a fuel duty regulator to ensure a fairer and more equitable system for our remoter areas.
Scotland should be benefiting from the riches of our offshore resources rather than watching it being used to fill the massive deficit at the Treasury at a time when the Scottish Budget is reduced even further."
Jim Mather said,
"For most Scottish MPs and MSPs the price of petrol and diesel impacts very directly on their constituents' day to day living. Living as they do in areas where much of what they need is dependent on transport, haulage and ferries, every rise in the cost of fuel impacts upon the costs of goods and services and makes the export of local produce that much less competitive.
Angus MacNeil has very properly highlighted the disparity that exists between the fuel tax regimes in the UK compared with other mainstream European countries. Since the Pre-Budget Report at end November 2008 Fuel Duty and VAT on petrol has risen here by 11.46%. In the same period the rise in Austria was 2.23% and the average increase over 10 countries, including France, Spain and the Netherlands is 5.07%. None of those countries are, like the UK, major oil producers. Figures for diesel are only marginally less damaging.
It is common knowledge that the Labour Government is intent on using fuel tax as a means of raising finance to pay off the bank bail out. They are keen to characterise this as taxing hauliers but the truth of the matter is that it is hard working people who are left to pick up the increased fuel bills.
We will continue to campaign at Budget time for a fuel duty regulator to ensure a fairer and more equitable system for our remoter areas.
Scotland should be benefiting from the riches of our offshore resources rather than watching it being used to fill the massive deficit at the Treasury at a time when the Scottish Budget is reduced even further."
Ardbeg’s Winning Streak!
Ardbeg Corryvreckan wins World’s Best Single Malt Whisky and Single Malt of the Year
Ardbeg, a single malt whisky from the Ardbeg Distillery on the Island of Islay is delighted to announce that one of its famously peaty whiskies has just won two coveted awards: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky at the World Whisky Awards and Single Malt of the Year by Malt Advocate Magazine.
After rigorous blind tastings by Whisky Magazine’s panel and industry experts Ardbeg Corryvreckan, at the recent Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Awards ceremony in London won “World Best Single Malt Whisky”.
Earlier in February Ardbeg Corryvreckan also won “Single Malt of the Year” from the US Malt Advocate magazine. John Hansell, publisher and editor of Malt Advocate Magazine described the Ardbeg Corryvreckan as “an invigorating, complex, and meticulously cared for whisky.”
Named after Europe’s largest, and the world’s second largest whirlpool, the Corryvreckan whirlpool lies beside the Hebridean Isles of Islay and Jura which are off the West Coast of Scotland. Celebrated in Celtic mystery and legend, its raw, magnetic power exactly mirrors the big and untamed spirit of Ardbeg – the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay whiskies. Ardbeg Corryvreckan had a tremendous welcome from the loyal fan club, the Ardbeg Committee, in 2008, when 5000 preview bottles were released. Their positive reaction encouraged Ardbeg to add Corryvreckan to the core Ardbeg range.
Hamish Torrie, Brand Director, Ardbeg commented on the two wins saying, “We are thrilled to have won these prestigious awards. With the hundreds of single malt whiskies that are entered for these competitions it is a great testament to the hard work of our Distillery team on Islay and the whisky creation team led by Dr Bill Lumsden.”
Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation, explained: “Experiments initiated in 1999, and continued ever since, have created parcels of Ardbeg stock slowly maturing in French oak casks on Islay. These are at the heart of Corryvreckan's perplexing character, teasing spicy and sumptuous sweet fruity notes from the maturing whisky.”
Ardbeg Corryvreckan was launched in September 2009 at a price of around £60 (pounds sterling). Bottled at a strength of 57.1% ABV and non chill-filtered, to impart full body and texture, Ardbeg Corryvreckan is the epitome of “the untamed spirit of Islay”.
Ardbeg, a single malt whisky from the Ardbeg Distillery on the Island of Islay is delighted to announce that one of its famously peaty whiskies has just won two coveted awards: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky at the World Whisky Awards and Single Malt of the Year by Malt Advocate Magazine.
After rigorous blind tastings by Whisky Magazine’s panel and industry experts Ardbeg Corryvreckan, at the recent Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Awards ceremony in London won “World Best Single Malt Whisky”.
Earlier in February Ardbeg Corryvreckan also won “Single Malt of the Year” from the US Malt Advocate magazine. John Hansell, publisher and editor of Malt Advocate Magazine described the Ardbeg Corryvreckan as “an invigorating, complex, and meticulously cared for whisky.”
Named after Europe’s largest, and the world’s second largest whirlpool, the Corryvreckan whirlpool lies beside the Hebridean Isles of Islay and Jura which are off the West Coast of Scotland. Celebrated in Celtic mystery and legend, its raw, magnetic power exactly mirrors the big and untamed spirit of Ardbeg – the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay whiskies. Ardbeg Corryvreckan had a tremendous welcome from the loyal fan club, the Ardbeg Committee, in 2008, when 5000 preview bottles were released. Their positive reaction encouraged Ardbeg to add Corryvreckan to the core Ardbeg range.
Hamish Torrie, Brand Director, Ardbeg commented on the two wins saying, “We are thrilled to have won these prestigious awards. With the hundreds of single malt whiskies that are entered for these competitions it is a great testament to the hard work of our Distillery team on Islay and the whisky creation team led by Dr Bill Lumsden.”
Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation, explained: “Experiments initiated in 1999, and continued ever since, have created parcels of Ardbeg stock slowly maturing in French oak casks on Islay. These are at the heart of Corryvreckan's perplexing character, teasing spicy and sumptuous sweet fruity notes from the maturing whisky.”
Ardbeg Corryvreckan was launched in September 2009 at a price of around £60 (pounds sterling). Bottled at a strength of 57.1% ABV and non chill-filtered, to impart full body and texture, Ardbeg Corryvreckan is the epitome of “the untamed spirit of Islay”.
Tuesday 2 March 2010
COUNCIL SAYS "CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE TO BE BROUGHT TO LIFE FOR PARENTS"
Teachers in Argyll and Bute will soon be using a new toolkit to help explain changes to the school curriculum to parents.
The resource aims to give parents and carers more information about how the new curriculum will affect their children and how they can get involved.
Schools in Argyll and Bute are currently preparing and developing their plans for implementation of Curriculum for Excellence in August 2010. This resource lets teachers show parents examples of how learning will change with film clips, images and slides to bring it to life.
Leaflets have also been developed for parents which explain each level - early years, primary and secondary. In addition, posters have been printed for school notice boards and sent to every school.
Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “I am delighted that this toolkit is now being rolled out. Curriculum for Excellence represents a significantly different approach to the way in which learning and teaching has traditionally been carried out, and it is very important that parents understand the changes and what they are designed to achieve.
“I am sure parents in Argyll and Bute will welcome both the information itself and the fact that they will largely be hearing it from the teachers themselves, who will of course be at the forefront of delivering the Curriculum for Excellence.”
Education Secretary Michael Russell has urged teachers to take advantage of the new resource to update parents on the Curriculum for Excellence.
Mr Russell said: "As changes to learning and teaching begin to take place in schools around Scotland, we know parents want to hear more about what's going on.
“Our research shows that they want to hear from those who are teaching their children. That's why we've worked with parents and teachers to put together a flexible toolkit - containing film clips, case studies, and a bank of slides to make sure teachers can feel confident explaining the changes.
"I'd encourage headteachers and teachers to think about when is best to talk to their parents about these changes, perhaps at an upcoming parents evening, and use the parts of this toolkit they feel will work best for them.”
Gerry McTiernan, a member of the National Parent Forum, said: "We are embracing exciting times in Scottish education. Parents need and want to be part of this welcome development and we look forward to Curriculum for Excellence giving all our children a better education and better opportunities. I hope the new toolkit will encourage schools and parents to take Curriculum for Excellence forward together."
The resource was developed following research which showed parents want more information about Curriculum for Excellence from teachers and their child's school. The toolkit was developed by Learning and Teaching Scotland with the National Parental Involvement Coordinator, parents, headteachers, teachers, and council staff across Scotland.
Parents should ask their child’s school for more information on the new curriculum or visit www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk
Bernard McLeary, Chief Executive of Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS), the education body that led on the production of the Parent Toolkit, said : “The aim of this resource is to provide teachers with the confidence to engage with parents about Curriculum for Excellence and help them understand the positive impact that the new education system will have on their children. I’m confident that the Parent Toolkit will play a key role in ensuring that all Scotland’s parents are fully up to speed with the implementation of the new curriculum.”
The Parent Toolkit can be viewed online at www.curriculumforexcellence.org.uk
The resource aims to give parents and carers more information about how the new curriculum will affect their children and how they can get involved.
Schools in Argyll and Bute are currently preparing and developing their plans for implementation of Curriculum for Excellence in August 2010. This resource lets teachers show parents examples of how learning will change with film clips, images and slides to bring it to life.
Leaflets have also been developed for parents which explain each level - early years, primary and secondary. In addition, posters have been printed for school notice boards and sent to every school.
Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “I am delighted that this toolkit is now being rolled out. Curriculum for Excellence represents a significantly different approach to the way in which learning and teaching has traditionally been carried out, and it is very important that parents understand the changes and what they are designed to achieve.
“I am sure parents in Argyll and Bute will welcome both the information itself and the fact that they will largely be hearing it from the teachers themselves, who will of course be at the forefront of delivering the Curriculum for Excellence.”
Education Secretary Michael Russell has urged teachers to take advantage of the new resource to update parents on the Curriculum for Excellence.
Mr Russell said: "As changes to learning and teaching begin to take place in schools around Scotland, we know parents want to hear more about what's going on.
“Our research shows that they want to hear from those who are teaching their children. That's why we've worked with parents and teachers to put together a flexible toolkit - containing film clips, case studies, and a bank of slides to make sure teachers can feel confident explaining the changes.
"I'd encourage headteachers and teachers to think about when is best to talk to their parents about these changes, perhaps at an upcoming parents evening, and use the parts of this toolkit they feel will work best for them.”
Gerry McTiernan, a member of the National Parent Forum, said: "We are embracing exciting times in Scottish education. Parents need and want to be part of this welcome development and we look forward to Curriculum for Excellence giving all our children a better education and better opportunities. I hope the new toolkit will encourage schools and parents to take Curriculum for Excellence forward together."
The resource was developed following research which showed parents want more information about Curriculum for Excellence from teachers and their child's school. The toolkit was developed by Learning and Teaching Scotland with the National Parental Involvement Coordinator, parents, headteachers, teachers, and council staff across Scotland.
Parents should ask their child’s school for more information on the new curriculum or visit www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk
Bernard McLeary, Chief Executive of Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS), the education body that led on the production of the Parent Toolkit, said : “The aim of this resource is to provide teachers with the confidence to engage with parents about Curriculum for Excellence and help them understand the positive impact that the new education system will have on their children. I’m confident that the Parent Toolkit will play a key role in ensuring that all Scotland’s parents are fully up to speed with the implementation of the new curriculum.”
The Parent Toolkit can be viewed online at www.curriculumforexcellence.org.uk
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 13, March – Friday 19, March, 2010
Title: Farpaisean Chon Chaorach
Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween present the second day of the International Sheepdog Trials, from Lowther Estate in Cumbria.
Transmitted: Tuesday 16th March 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 17th March 2010
Time: 20:30
Title: Hebridean Celtic Music Festival
The Hebridean Celtic Festival is coming to TV. Music from top international acts delivered over four days to thousands of music-lovers - the original homecoming party!
Transmitted: Friday 19th March 2010
Time: 22:00
Catriona MacPhee and Donald MacSween present the second day of the International Sheepdog Trials, from Lowther Estate in Cumbria.
Transmitted: Tuesday 16th March 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 17th March 2010
Time: 20:30
Title: Hebridean Celtic Music Festival
The Hebridean Celtic Festival is coming to TV. Music from top international acts delivered over four days to thousands of music-lovers - the original homecoming party!
Transmitted: Friday 19th March 2010
Time: 22:00
GEORGE LYON MSP - PAPER ON CAP TO FUEL DEBATE AT HOME AND IN EU
The publication of a working document on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013, written by Scottish MEP George Lyon for the EU’s Agriculture Committee, will help fuel the debate on CAP that is raging both at home and in Europe.
In his initial paper, Mr Lyon recognises the success of the CAP over the past 50 years in increasing productivity, contributing to a fair standard of living for farmers, stabilising markets, and making available supplies of food for consumers at reasonable prices. However, the CAP of the future will still need to deliver on these successes as well as meet more pressing challenges such as market volatility, food security, growing world population and to be part of the solution to climate change.
Commenting on the working document, NFU Scotland President Jim McLaren said:
“The current debate around Europe on the future of the CAP takes place against the background of a ratified Lisbon Treaty giving greater powers of decision-making to European politicians. With co-decision giving MEPs a larger say in how the CAP will be shaped after 2013, it is good for Scotland that we have George, a former farmer and former NFUS President, challenged with producing this paper on CAP reform for the influential Agriculture Committee.
“There is welcome recognition in George’s paper that the CAP has, for 50 years, delivered a good deal for the community’s farmers and consumers and a need to ensure that CAP continues to deliver for all after its scheduled reform in 2013. For that to happen, a number of major issues need to be addressed, not least the need to defend and justify the proportion of Europe’s budget currently taken up by delivering the CAP across 27 member states.
“To recognise agriculture’s part in tacking climate change, George has included some thought-provoking ideas in his working document that are sure to generate debate. One suggestion is that support for Less Favoured Areas – something that is crucial to Scottish agriculture – is moved from so-called Pillar Two payments into Pillar One, the same pot that currently delivers the Single Farm Payment scheme. The idea is that this would allow Pillar Two to focus on ‘greener’ measures. Providing there was no threat to funding levels, this certainly merits further discussion.
“George also poses some fundamental questions, many of which we are currently wrestling with as a Scottish industry as we plan our responses to our own Inquiry into the future of support to Scottish farming, headed up by Brian Pack. He asks what would be a fair basis for the calculation of SFP allocation to Member States; should we move from a historic to an area basis; if so, what should the phasing in period be and what extra flexibility should be allowed to Member States to deliver on their own priorities?
“While the Pack Inquiry in Scotland is already very focussed on trying to identify the best method of support delivery for Scottish farmers, this working document highlights that at a European level, consensus is still being sought on many of the broad principles around the CAP. I congratulate George on his initial thought-provoking work and look forward to the ensuing debate on CAP as it gathers momentum at home and in Europe.”
In his initial paper, Mr Lyon recognises the success of the CAP over the past 50 years in increasing productivity, contributing to a fair standard of living for farmers, stabilising markets, and making available supplies of food for consumers at reasonable prices. However, the CAP of the future will still need to deliver on these successes as well as meet more pressing challenges such as market volatility, food security, growing world population and to be part of the solution to climate change.
Commenting on the working document, NFU Scotland President Jim McLaren said:
“The current debate around Europe on the future of the CAP takes place against the background of a ratified Lisbon Treaty giving greater powers of decision-making to European politicians. With co-decision giving MEPs a larger say in how the CAP will be shaped after 2013, it is good for Scotland that we have George, a former farmer and former NFUS President, challenged with producing this paper on CAP reform for the influential Agriculture Committee.
“There is welcome recognition in George’s paper that the CAP has, for 50 years, delivered a good deal for the community’s farmers and consumers and a need to ensure that CAP continues to deliver for all after its scheduled reform in 2013. For that to happen, a number of major issues need to be addressed, not least the need to defend and justify the proportion of Europe’s budget currently taken up by delivering the CAP across 27 member states.
“To recognise agriculture’s part in tacking climate change, George has included some thought-provoking ideas in his working document that are sure to generate debate. One suggestion is that support for Less Favoured Areas – something that is crucial to Scottish agriculture – is moved from so-called Pillar Two payments into Pillar One, the same pot that currently delivers the Single Farm Payment scheme. The idea is that this would allow Pillar Two to focus on ‘greener’ measures. Providing there was no threat to funding levels, this certainly merits further discussion.
“George also poses some fundamental questions, many of which we are currently wrestling with as a Scottish industry as we plan our responses to our own Inquiry into the future of support to Scottish farming, headed up by Brian Pack. He asks what would be a fair basis for the calculation of SFP allocation to Member States; should we move from a historic to an area basis; if so, what should the phasing in period be and what extra flexibility should be allowed to Member States to deliver on their own priorities?
“While the Pack Inquiry in Scotland is already very focussed on trying to identify the best method of support delivery for Scottish farmers, this working document highlights that at a European level, consensus is still being sought on many of the broad principles around the CAP. I congratulate George on his initial thought-provoking work and look forward to the ensuing debate on CAP as it gathers momentum at home and in Europe.”
COUNCIL SEARCHES FOR UNSUNG SPORTS VOLUNTEERS
People in Argyll and Bute are being encouraged to submit their nominations for the Argyll and Bute Sports Volunteer Awards 2010.
The awards, now in their fourth year, recognise the vital contribution which volunteers make to sporting life in the community.
The 2010 awards have four main categories – Adult Volunteer, Junior Volunteer, Sports Organisation and, for the first time, Sports Event.
In addition, nominations are invited for adult and junior volunteers in each of the Council’s four administrative areas – Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond, Oban, Lorn and the Isles and Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.
Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Sport, Councillor Neil Mackay, urged residents to make their nominations.
“These awards recognise people who give up their own time – often an enormous amount of it – for nothing more than the satisfaction of enabling others to enjoy sport,” he said.
“Sport without volunteers would be extremely limited. Yet in Argyll and Bute sport and physical activity in general is thriving, largely thanks to the vast contribution which volunteers make.
“So many people give up their own time to coach, officiate, administer and organise, and together they ensure that this area has one of the healthiest statistics for volunteering in the country.
“This is the time of year when we look to recognise these unsung heroes by asking people to nominate those who make such an effort to bring sport into their communities.
“It is always a very difficult job to do to pick the eventual winners from the many individuals and organisations put forward. I am sure that this year will be no exception.”
Past winners include Oban Saints AFC, Fiona Irwin from Campbeltown’s Wee Toon Runners, Duncan Aitken of the Argyll and Bute Rugby Pathways Programme and Katherine McNaughton of Islay and Jura Dolphins.
Nomination forms are available from Leisure Centres, Schools and Active Schools programmes, on the front page of the Council’s website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk or by emailing sportscoaching@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
Nominations close on May 14. The winners will be announced by the Council and its partner Argyll Voluntary Action at the Volunteer Week Awards in June 2010.
The awards, now in their fourth year, recognise the vital contribution which volunteers make to sporting life in the community.
The 2010 awards have four main categories – Adult Volunteer, Junior Volunteer, Sports Organisation and, for the first time, Sports Event.
In addition, nominations are invited for adult and junior volunteers in each of the Council’s four administrative areas – Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond, Oban, Lorn and the Isles and Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.
Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Sport, Councillor Neil Mackay, urged residents to make their nominations.
“These awards recognise people who give up their own time – often an enormous amount of it – for nothing more than the satisfaction of enabling others to enjoy sport,” he said.
“Sport without volunteers would be extremely limited. Yet in Argyll and Bute sport and physical activity in general is thriving, largely thanks to the vast contribution which volunteers make.
“So many people give up their own time to coach, officiate, administer and organise, and together they ensure that this area has one of the healthiest statistics for volunteering in the country.
“This is the time of year when we look to recognise these unsung heroes by asking people to nominate those who make such an effort to bring sport into their communities.
“It is always a very difficult job to do to pick the eventual winners from the many individuals and organisations put forward. I am sure that this year will be no exception.”
Past winners include Oban Saints AFC, Fiona Irwin from Campbeltown’s Wee Toon Runners, Duncan Aitken of the Argyll and Bute Rugby Pathways Programme and Katherine McNaughton of Islay and Jura Dolphins.
Nomination forms are available from Leisure Centres, Schools and Active Schools programmes, on the front page of the Council’s website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk or by emailing sportscoaching@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
Nominations close on May 14. The winners will be announced by the Council and its partner Argyll Voluntary Action at the Volunteer Week Awards in June 2010.
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