An awards ceremony, paying tribute to the “unsung heroes” of a flood-hit Aberdeenshire community, will return for a second year after the “huge success” of the inaugural event.
The Spirit of Ballater Awards has been organised this year to coincide with the town’s Victoria Week celebrations and pays tribute to the efforts of volunteers who have gone the extra mile for their friends and neighbours in the Deeside village.
This year, voting is slightly different with local groups and clubs being asked to nominate candidates from within their own numbers.
Residents, including groups and businesses, pitched in to help the recovery effort, following the devastation caused by Storm Frank at the end of 2015 – bringing the community even closer together.
Now the awards will pay tribute to people and organisations who are working all year round to keep Ballater alive and kicking.
Aileen Longino organised the Spirit of Ballater Awards through her role as a local development officer at Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action.
Mrs Longino said: “Last year was an emotional event for all involved and the community wanted to keep the awards going as volunteering happens every day of the year.”
To vote, forms can be picked up at Ballater Library or by e-mailing Aileen.Longino@avashire.org.uk – the closing date for nominations is Wednesday, July 26.
The ceremony will take place in the Victoria Hall on Sunday, August 13 at 7.30pm.
Victoria Week begins on Friday, August 4 – for more information visit: www.ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk/
