Arts centre celebrates royal accolade

Aberdeen group wins Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

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JOB WELL DONE: From left, arts centre venue manager Paula Gibson, Annie Inglis, Elinor McKendrick and the volunteer staff. Kevin Emslie

A NORTH-EAST arts centre has been recognised by the Queen for its voluntary services to the local community.

Aberdeen Arts Centre has won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, becoming one of eight Scottish groups to receive the honour this year. It was chosen from a list of 379 nominees.

Volunteer Annie Inglis, who led the campaign to save the arts centre 10 years ago, said: “I had faith 10 years ago that the arts centre would survive but I did not expect that we would be given an honour like this.

“We are totally dependent on the volunteers, and their goodwill and wonderful service is what has won us this award.”

The centre’s volunteers were told about their success in winning the award at a ceremony last night which was organised originally as part of the arts centre’s National Volunteers’ Week celebrations.

Mrs Inglis said: “I hope that this recognition will give our volunteers some satisfaction for the work they have done for the Aberdeen Arts Centre. I am so proud of them all.”