East Ayrshire’s local heroes were honoured at the Community Planning Awards, held on 16 March, for their tireless work towards making life better within their local communities.

The awards, held at Council Headquarters, recognise the commitment and contribution of community and voluntary groups and individuals, who are undertaking remarkable work within East Ayrshire. All of those nominated for each of the five award categories were truly deserving and it was extremely difficult for the judging panel to reach a shortlist.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Chair of the Community Planning Partnership, said: “The combined work and dedication of all of our finalists makes a real difference to the lives of so many people within communities throughout East Ayrshire. They are to be congratulated and thanked for all the work that they do so diligently and often thanklessly.


“This awards ceremony is one way of letting groups and individuals know that their efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.”

The winners were:

• Promoting Lifelong Learning Award – Centrestage Music Theatre
• Delivering Community Regeneration Award – Catrine Community Trust
• Improving Community Safety Award – Charles Hamilton
• Improving Health and Wellbeing Award – East Ayrshire Advocacy Service • Community Planning Partnership Award – Centrestage Music Theatre

Fiona Lees, Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council, added: “I would like to congratulate all our finalists and applaud them for their community spirit, innovation and commitment in developing such a diverse range of projects and initiatives that are genuinely making a lasting difference to people’s lives.

“People in communities throughout East Ayrshire are working to help others make positive changes in their lives and this is integral to achieving our vision for East Ayrshire.”

(GK/KMcA)