Inspiring i-care awards evening for High Life Highland staff and volunteers
The historic Strathpeffer Pavilion was the venue last night (Thursday 7th November) for the 2024 High Life Highland i-care awards with over 100 people attending to celebrate the many ways in which staff and volunteers Making Life Better for residents and visitors across the Highlands.
Hosted by STV’s Nicola McAlley and with musical entertainment from High Life Highland’s music tuition service, the evening saw awards presented to outstanding employees, inspiring young people and inspirational volunteers as well as members of staff receiving long service awards.
“The response to our plea for nominations across the different categories was quite overwhelming – and all well deserved. It was extremely difficult to narrow the nominations down to a shortlist, so as well as congratulating all our 2024 winners, I would also like to congratulate and thank everyone who received a nomination. They are all doing such a great job across all our services.”
The winners of the 2024 High Life Highland i-care awards are:
- Outstanding Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by Aqua Leisure: Ian Munro (Inverness Leisure) for his dedication to sharing his knowledge and experience with other colleagues in a positive and uplifting way.
- High Performing Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Zoggs: High Life Highland Mobile Library Team for always delivering a highly professional service despite the challenges.
- Star Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Askews & Holts Library Services: Rheannan Rigby from Invergordon for being a fantastic role model and sports volunteer. Rheannan was sadly unable to attend the event.
- Inspiring Young Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by Stagecoach: Archie Webster from Inverness for all his hundreds of hours of volunteering.
- Peoples Choice Award, sponsored by Stagecoach: Jenny Rankine from Dingwall Leisure Centre for being an inspiring and motivational instructor.
- The Highland Council Collaboration Award, sponsored by Haydock Music Ltd: The Highland Council’s Payroll Team for their sterling work on a number of projects and always finding the best solutions to make sure everyone is paid on time!
- Chair of the Highland Council Education Committee Award, sponsored by MacCallum Bagpipes: Sarah Ross (Active Schools Co-ordinator, Portree) for always going above and beyond to deliver high quality sports experiences for young people on the islands.
- High Life Highland Trading Company Chair Award, sponsored by Dynam: High Life Highland Development Team for their sterling work in helping the charity to recover post covid, increasing highlife sales and income.
- High Life Highland Charity Chair Award, sponsored by MacGregor Industrial Supplies: Hugo Taillandier and Niamh Sutherland (Youth Support Officers) for their part in saving a man’s life who had suffered a medical episode at the roadside.
There were also awards for long serving members of staff with 10 people recognised for 20 years service, 10 for 25 years of service and five celebrating 30 years with the organisation. Meanwhile eight members of staff were congratulated on 35 years service with one member of staff – Jackie Mackenzie – marking 40 years.
Steve Walsh, High Life Highland Chief Executive added: “Very many congratulations to all our winners and nominees – they are all making life better every day for people and visitors across the Highlands. An enormous thank you to all our sponsors and to our judges who did not have an easy task this year.”
