Community work awards for young ones

Jul 2 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

YOUNG people have been honoured for their contribution to the West Lothian community.

West Lothian Council hosted a special awards ceremony at the Howden Park Centre in Livingston, to recognise the six people shortlisted for the National Young Scot Awards 2009, designed to honour the young citizens who give up their time to help others, improve lives or surroundings.

All six West Lothian finalists were up against others from all over Scotland in their categories, with three clinching the top awards.

Robert Magee (18) from Bathgate, won the Volunteer of the Year award for his tireless work giving children a good start in life, particularly those with special needs, and Mark Nevin (21) from East Calder clinched the Heritage Award for his work on some of Scotland’s best-loved buildings.

Melissa Marsden (17) from Breich, was a finalist in the Community Category for Award for her campaigning work to make sure that children in care have a say in how they are looked after, while 19-year-old Seafield juvenile pipe band major Brendan Bennett from Fauldhouse, was shortlisted in the Arts category for his tireless voluntary work promoting piping and drumming among young people in West Lothian.

It was double triumph for West Lothian in the Homecoming Scotland award.

Livingston’s Cassandra Oswald and Liam Dunn (both 17), were both finalists after creating original pieces of art that captured the very essence of Scotland, with Liam scooping the top prize.

Andrew Miller, executive councillor for education, said: “It’s tremendous for West Lothian to have six young people nominated for National Young Scot awards this year.

“Young people can unfairly get a bad reputation at times, and these six are fine examples of the good work done by many dedicated youngsters across West Lothian.

“They are superb ambassadors for West Lothian, and I’m delighted that we can recognise them for their achievements.”

A spokesman for the organisers of the competition said: “The West Lothian Young Scot Team and the Work with Young People Team would like to congratulate all the young people involved and wish them all the best, now and in the future.”