Local councillors from across Scotland have been celebrated at a new awards ceremony hosted in Edinburgh City Chambers.
The LGiU and CCLA Councillor Achievement Awards are the only national ceremony to recognise and reward the efforts of Scottish councillors from across the political spectrum.
Among those recognised was Cllr Archie Dryburgh (Dumfries and Galloway Council, Annandale East and Eskdale Ward) who received the Special Contribution Award.
Cllr Dryburgh was recognised for his work as Armed Forces Champion, a former Gordon Highlander, Territorial Army officer and cadet instructor, he ensured the Council was the first to introduce an Armed Forces Housing Policy and has worked with Veteran’s Scotland to tackle the issue of homelessness amongst veterans.
He has also done a number of things regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and mental illness in veterans – such as setting up a Veteran’s Garden for ex-service men and women to go and work and socialise in.
A total of eight other awards were up for grabs this year. The winners were:
- Caroline Shiers, Perth and Kinross Council for Champion for Education
- Gavin Corbett, Edinburgh City Council for Environmental Impact
- Braden Davy, Angus Council for Innovation and Digital
- Joe Cullinane, North Ayrshire Council for Leader of the year
- Elaine McDougall, Glasgow City Council for Lifetime Contribution
- Elizabeth Robertson, Inverclyde Council for New Councillor
- George Carr, Aberdeenshire Council for Rural Community Champion
- Linda Erskine, Fife Council for Urban Community Champion
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGiU, said:
It’s fantastic to hear stories of local councillors working selflessly for the community, bringing real benefits to residents. All the winners demonstrated huge talent and dedication.
The outstanding quality of the nominations we received this year stands as a testament to the exceptional job many councillors are doing for their community. The inaugural Scottish Councillor awards have been a huge success.
Image: LGIU Scotland