Edinburgh’s incredible volunteers were among the hundreds of people recognised for their crucial contribution to local life at the Lord and Lady Provost’s Community Garden Party, which was held at Lauriston Castle recently.
The BIG Project, which supports children and young people in Edinburgh’s Broomhouse district, was be presented with a ‘Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service’ by the Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant Donald Wilson at the celebration on 29 July.
They were be joined by a guest list featuring dedicated workers from the city’s third sector, community council members, Edinburgh British Empire Medallists and local philanthropists as a ‘thank you’ for their contribution to community life.
The Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: “As Edinburgh’s Volunteering Champion, I feel passionately that those who make a special contribution to community life through volunteering and charity deserve local recognition for their efforts.
“This will be our third Community Garden Party of its kind and it will be a celebration to recognise those unsung heroes and those people who really are the backbone of Edinburgh. I am looking forward to thanking them on behalf of the city. I am also extremely grateful to Jayne-Anne Gadhia and everyone at Virgin Money for their continued support and ongoing commitment to the city.”
Sponsored by Virgin Money, more than 500 people attended the community event in the grounds of the historic castle making it the biggest Party yet. Guests enjoyed afternoon tea on the lawn, with live music from local Edinburgh choir group the Aw Blacks, Chinese Opera singers and pipe bands.
A community dance group also performed and the Edinburgh Sketcher was busy throughout the event. The Lauriston Castle Living History Group, suitably costumed in Edwardian dress, treated guests to tours of the visitor attraction which are open to the public throughout the year.
Local Councillors were asked to nominate community champions from all parts of the city to attend to join those Local Heroes recognised by the Edinbugh Evening News.
Sascha Macleod, Leader of The BIG Project, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2016 which represents a tremendous achievement for The BIG Project and the community of Broomhouse.
“Everyone involved, and in particular the volunteers who are integral to the success of the project are immensely proud of the recognition this award brings. We are delighted to be receiving our award from The Lord Lieutenant on behalf of her Majesty The Queen at The Community Garden Party at Lauriston Castle.”
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