South Ayrshire Council held a triple celebration to acknowledge the long service of members of staff, two people who have given outstanding service to the community and a Councillor who has achieved a nationally recognised award.

The celebrations took place in a marquee within the grounds of Rozelle, with the marquee being kindly lent to the Council for the evening by the organisers of Ayr Flower Show.

The staff members, who have served continuously within a local authority for at least 25 years, received Long Service awards.  All the staff work within the Department of Development, Safety and Regulation, Social Work Housing and Health, Education Culture and Lifelong Learning or the Chief Executive’s Department. 

The Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Gibson T. Macdonald praised the work of staff and said:  “The long serving members of staff have given great service to the Council and to the people of South Ayrshire.  I would like to thank each of them for their contribution and wish them well in the future.”

South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan awarded two Provost’s medals, she said:  “There are very few Provost’s medals given out, that is why they are so highly regarded.

The first recipient was Nancy McNeil, speaking about her Provost Sloan said:  “Nancy’s career has been dedicated to working with young people.  I am sure that there will be young people that she has helped who will read this and remember her, and the impact that she made on their life. 

“Nancy always strives to get the best for the young people that she works with, and is very flexible in her work routine, always read to embrace new ideas whether they be from her clients or her professional peers.

“On behalf of the people of South Ayrshire and beyond, I would like to thank Nancy for her dedication, staying power and sheer determination to succeed.”

A Provost’s Medal was also awarded to John Walker, Provost Sloan said:  “It is very fitting that tonight the presentation ceremony is taking place within a marquee at the home of Ayr Flower Show, on a night when I have presented John, the Chairman of the Show with a Medal.

“John works tirelessly for a number of causes including:  Council for Voluntary Organisations in Kyle and Carrick; Ayrshire Society for the Deaf; Ayr Baptist Church; Ayrshire Horticultural Society; Ayr Flower Show; Ayr Guildry; Scripture Union (Scotland), three villages regeneration group; Scottish Charity Appeals Panel; the McLaurin Gallery Trust and Ayr Ark.

“I would like to thank John, and the organisations with which he works, for their contribution to the communities in South Ayrshire, and for the dedicated way in which they carry out their voluntary work.”

Council staff, Elected Members and a range of organisations work together to serve people in South Ayrshire, so it seemed apt that a Councillor also received an award, which is accredited by the Scottish Qualification Authority.

To gain the award Councillor Hunter, who is Convener of the Council’s Community Safety Committee and Council spokesperson for Fairtrade, had to complete a number of units of work and achieve a minimum of four mandatory credits and two optional credits.

Provost Sloan said:  “Councillor Hunter has achieved an award that is nationally recognised and the content is based on the recognised standards of competence endorsed by the Conciliation of Scottish Local Authorities and its members.  The course has provided him with an even greater understanding of aspects of Scottish Local Government and the European Union.

“Learning is a lifelong occupation, something that is never finished.  I think it is great that just like members of staff who enhance their existing skills, or learn new ones, Hugh has taken on a new challenge, grasped it fully and succeeded.”

Following the presentations there was a small reception for the recipients and their guests.

Staff who received a Long Service awards are pictured with Provost Winifred Sloan.

Staff who received a Long Service awards are pictured with Provost Winifred Sloan.

Pictured displaying Councillor Hunter’s certificate are (left to right) Provost Winifred Sloan, Councillor
Gibson T Macdonald and Councillor Hugh Hunter.

Smiles all round as John Walker and Nancy McNeil received their medals from Provost Winifred Sloan (centre).

August 2006