‘Remarkable’ Cromarty young volunteers recognised at HTSI Awards which saw ‘precious memories’ made
The hard work of four “remarkable” Black Isle young people has been recognised at an awards ceremony, which became “a precious memory” for everyone.
Young volunteers at Black Isle Youth Development scooped multiple accolades at the Highlands Third Sector Interface (HTSI) Awards.
Wanda Mackay, chairperson of Cromarty Youth Cafe, said: “I have been doing my job for almost 28 years now, and I can never fully describe the absolute pride I have in our young people.
“We were just absolutely delighted to celebrate our four remarkable young people who won awards for their exceptional contributions to volunteering. They go above and beyond, as well as exceeding all expectations.”
One of these young volunteers, Orlagh Mackay, began her time at Cromarty Youth Cafe aged four and has gained 888 hours of volunteering for her Saltire Award.
Wanda said: “Orlagh is a courageous and inspiring young leader who, out of some sad and very hard times, has turned her experiences of trauma into a focus on positive action for mental health support. She has won many accolades — most recently she was recognised with the Eric Liddell Award. As well as being a gold medallist rower, Orlagh is keen to be a pilot — and believe me, she is a high flyer… there is no doubt about that. She always goes above and beyond to help others — Orlagh, you truly are awesome.”
Also recognised was Loreta Vitola, who moved to Scotland from Latvia aged three and joined Cromarty Youth Cafe at five.
Wanda said: “Loreta has 795 hours in her Saltire Award and has gained over 500 hours in High Life Highland Leadership. She has also supported all holiday programmes, completed many courses and really enjoys the intergenerational work with our Golden Oldies. As well as being a gold medalist with Cromarty Community Rowing Club, Loreta is also on the committee to ensure that the voices of young people are heard among decision makers.
“She always goes above and beyond — she’s great at problem solving and our juniors adore and really look up to her. Loreta, you are awesome.”
Keen Highland dancer, Iona Browne, with over 440 hours in volunteering, also took a bow.
“At every big community gathering, we have Iona entertain the whole crowd — always holding her head high gazing around the audience with the biggest smiles,” said Wanda. “Iona is an amazing volunteer who increases morale and is a huge peer support to other young people — she is a truly inspiring young volunteer. If you are ever lucky enough to watch Iona dance, you will never forget it.”
The fourth youngster from Cromarty Youth Cafe to have their efforts recognised at the awards ceremony was Alan Munro, who since the age of nine has raked up 459 hours of volunteer work.
Wanda said: “He has gritted streets in all sorts of hazardous conditions, getting up at the crack of dawn, to make sure that the older and vulnerable people of our community could get outdoors safely — he even purchased his own wee gritter!
“On the coldest, darkest nights, he would be out in his hi-vis jacket gritting the streets. Alan has also been cutting areas of grass which he notices are unkempt. More recently, he joined the Cromarty and District Community Council to ensure that the voices of young people are heard with decision makers.”
Thanking organisers, Wanda said: “The HTSI staff undoubtedly pulled of the most awesome night. All of the staff mingled and got to know our young people, heard our stories — and there were a lot. The night has now become a precious memory for us all.”
