This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Queens Award for Voluntary Service
01/06/2004
First Minister Jack McConnell today paid tribute to the Scottish volunteers and community groups who have won a prestigious UK award.
Twelve Scottish organisations have won the Queens Award for Voluntary Service for outstanding achievement in providing service to the community.
Extending his congratulations to the Scottish winners, the First Minister said:
"I am delighted that so many Scottish organisations have won this award. They are a credit to their country, their communities and their families. These volunteers set an example for us all to follow.
"They dedicate their time and talent to helping those most in need and ask for nothing in return. It is only right that their commitment is rewarded.
"As we begin Volunteers' Week I would encourage more Scots to follow their example."
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service was launched in 2003. It recognises and rewards excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community. The award is a UK wide initiative and 110 organisations in total will receive it this year.
Her majesty the Queen will host a reception for representatives of all winning groups in St James' Palace on 19 July. Presentation of the awards will be made to individual winning groups by their local Lord Lieutenant at ceremonies during June and July.
All successful groups have demonstrated that they: -
* have evolved locally and are locally run;
* have a proven track record of active community involvement, normally over a period of three years or more;
* are well designed to meet local needs;
* add significant value by directly providing community focussed voluntary activities of a very high quality; and,
* generate a high level of local goodwill and respect.
Details of the winning Scottish groups are as follows: -
Friends
Improves the local environment in Stevenston through the creation of projects for young people.
Alness Environmental Group
Enhances the environment in Alness with planting and maintenance of floral displays.
The Food Train
Provides a low cost shopping delivery service for elderly and disabled people in Dumfries and surrounding areas.
GAIN
Encourages social and leisure activities including environmental awareness on the Isle of Lewis.
The Yellow Teapot Club
Provides a club for children with special needs aged 6 to 16 years.
The Samaritans of Glasgow
Provides 24 hour confidential, non-judgemental support to the community of Glasgow.
Youth United
Campaigns for and applies for funding for projects/facilities for young people in Airdrie.
Envirokirn Action Group
Enhances and maintains the local natural environment in Kirn through projects and fundraising for the benefit of residents and tourists.
Inverclyde Carers Council
Presents the interests and aspirations of local voluntary carers in the Inverclyde area and provides training courses.
Johnstone Credit Union Volunteers
Provides a 'not for profit' financial co-operative owned and controlled by its members.
Orkney Talking Newspaper
Provides a high quality tape of local newspaper articles for blind and visually impaired members of the community in Orkney.
Deveron Stroke Club
Supplies social and therapeutic help to stroke sufferers and gives support to their carers and families.