THE spirit of volunteering remains well and truly alive in the Wee County as residents were celebrated for their efforts.

The annual Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface Volunteers’ Week awards took place at the Devonvale Hall last Thursday, June 6.

Held each year by the CTSI, the awards aim to recognise the very best volunteers that Clacks has to offer, with nominees put forward for seven categories this year.

First up was the Young Person of the Year Award, presented by the Provost Donald Balsillie, which was awarded to Finlay McQuater.

Eleanor Ingram from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service presented the Clackmannanshire Community Group of the Year award which went to The Gate for their work with the foodbank.

The Clackmannanshire Community Project with the Greatest Impact was awarded to Love in a Box Clackmannanshire and presented by Craig Dunbar, deputy lord lieutenant for the Wee County.

The CTSI’s own Anthea Coulter presented Trustee of the Year, firstly congratulating each of the nominees before announcing Craig Machan from Reachout with Arts in Mind with the award.

Alan McGaw was posthumously awarded the Community Spirit, which was presented by Gavin Todd from the SFRS. He unfortunately passed away on March 4, with his winning of the award a fitting tribute to his legacy.

Alloa Academy Breakfast Club won the Inspiring Health and Wellbeing award, presented by Kat Jarvie, for their work ensuring dozens of kids eat breakfast before the school day.

Lastly, Dorothy Anderson was named Clackmannanshire Community Champion of the Year for a lifetime of service, presented by Sheila Bulloch.

Christopher White, volunteer development officer, said: “This year, as we step away from Covid, is all about celebrating communities getting stronger and becoming more resilient.

“What we’re trying to do is say thank you to all of the amazing groups, people and projects that are involved in making our communities better across Clackmannanshire.

“That’s what it’s all about and we just want to say thank you. Thank you has been the theme every year since Covid but it’s the truth.

“We just want to say thank you to every single person that is involved in our third sector. To be part of it, and to run it, is a real honour and a privilege to do it on behalf of Clackmannanshire.”

Entertainment was provided by the Clackmannanshire Choral Society, who performed a range of songs such as Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Singing in the Rain.

Craig Dunbar also gave a speech, hailing the tremendous work each of the nominees do in changing people’s opinions on the Wee County.

Emphasis was placed on the number of nominations for such a small local authority, once again signalling the great volunteering efforts Clacks has.

The CTSI Volunteer Awards received backing from a range of sponsors, including Alloa First, Sterling Mills, Clacks Credit Union, Tunnock’s and Clacks First.