Tain's community heroes honoured at awards ceremony
COMMUNITY heroes in and around Tain took a bow at a first-of-its-kind awards ceremony which now looks set to become an annual event.
The first Tain and District Community Awards at the town's Duthac Centre was hailed by organiser Sarah Mackenzie as "a fantastic evening showcasing all that's great and strong about our community".
Ms Mackenzie, co-chairperson of the Tain and District Development Trust (TDDT), thanked event sponsor Glenmorangie Distillery, award category sponsors, Laura Dundas and her team at Greens Restaurant for catering and host Willie Cameron, in addition to others who chipped in to the success of the evening.
TDDT works for the benefit of the community in and around Tain.
Ms Mackenzie said: "Sharon Robertson and I as co-chairs of the Trust would like to thank our fantastic team of directors. We are both extremely proud of all that we as a team have achieved in just one year and we are excited about the future for team TDDT. Finally to our volunteers and community members, thank you all for your continued support - with you, we can continue to do great things for our community."
The outstanding contribution award winner was Maureen Ross of the Seaboard Morial Hall in Balintore. She in turn hailed the "phenomenal" effort put in by the TDDT, adding: "I was totally overwhelmed by this award and really feel that it is one that should be shared with all in the Seaboard involved in community capacity building over the past 20 years. This acknowledgement was the icing on the cake."
Shona Docherty, the daughter of late community stalwart Etta Brown, whose contribution was recognised with a memorial award, said: "We were very proud to accept the award. Mam would have been so overwhelmed by it all. She was so dedicated to her volunteer work and her community. The night was so well organised , a truly enjoyable evening was had by all."
Andy MacDonald, manager of Glenmorangie Distillery said: "We were delighted to support this awards event that helps to recognise the hard work of individuals, groups and businesses within the communities."
David Whiteford, chair of North Highland Initiative, which has supported TDDT in its work, said: "Communities in the north Highlands thrive when their various groups, committees and local businesses work together and the TDDT team have been instrumental in encouraging that to happen. Their inaugural awards dinner on Friday was an amazing celebration of all that is great about Tain and with their continued vibrancy and enthusiasm I have no doubt that future events will only get bigger and better."
The TDDT will stage its annual general meeting early next month.
To become a member or a volunteer, see www.tainddtrust.com or email info@tainddtrust.com
