News / Future “in extremely good hands”
A TOTAL of 143 young people from across Shetland received Saltire awards this week in honour of their volunteer work.
More than 300 certificates were handed out to volunteers aged between 12 and 25 to commend the hours they have put into working with local organisations, groups and schools.
The awards, which are sponsored by the Scottish government and managed locally by Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS), were presented at Mareel in Lerwick.
VAS chairman Alec Miller told attendees that more than 21,435 hours of volunteer work had been completed by the award-winners last year.
Shetland MSP Tavish Scott was also on hand to hand out awards on the night, including the coveted Summit prize given to 20 youngsters nominated by their supervisors.
VAS youth volunteer development worker Neil Pearson organised the event and paid tribute to those taking a “proactive role” in the Shetland community.
“These young people are our future and I can say with complete honesty that I believe the future of our isles is in extremely good hands,” he said.
VAS executive officer Catherine Hughson added: “It is so inspiring to see these young people give so much to support their communities and their peers, and see them grow into the confident, committed individuals they are.”
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