Saltire Awards celebrate young people’s volunteering

10 June 2026 09:31

191 young people received their awards for volunteering during an event at Mareel on Tuesday night. Photo: Dave Donaldson for VAS

ALMOST 200 young people aged between 11 and 25 have received a total of 336 certificates recognising more than 15,000 hours of volunteering.

Last night’s (Tuesday) Saltire Awards celebrations were one of the largest ever, breaking for the third time in a row the record for the number of young people receiving the accolade.

The national award scheme, run by the Scottish Government, recognises the commitment young people make to volunteering in their community.

The awards, locally managed by Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS), recognise milestones of 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hours of time spent volunteering.

A total of 191 young people volunteering in 67 organisations were recognised.

Shetland’s members of the Scottish Youth Parliament Beenie-Ann Wood and Ava Williamson assisted with presenting certificates to this year’s awardees.

Awards for outstanding contribution to volunteering were awarded to three people who received a summit award in recognition of their input. These were Jake Davies (Delting Football Club/Brae High School Young Ambassadors), Jack Deyell (The Outpost) and Isobel Pagulayan (ALICE Theatre Project).

VAS youth volunteer development worker Lara White said: “It is amazing to see such high numbers once again, proving that the youth of Shetland contribute more than we realise to our local communities right across the breadth of Shetland, from Baltasound to Toab, Walls to Symbister and everywhere in between.”