Two Highland Council employees have been honoured for their outstanding work at Highland Council’s Quality Awards event in the Inverness Townhouse.
Alf Leslie, project coordinator for war memorials was presented with a special commendation award for his work in restoring 121 war memorials in a three year project across the Highlands.
Retiring council chief executive Steve Barron presented him with a certificate and described his work as ‘brilliant.’
Mr Barron said: “Alf Leslie and amenities officer Hugh Gardner have worked tirelessly to ensure that these powerful symbols of the past have been restored to their original condition.
“The work has been challenging both technically and in terms of funding. It has required patience, determination and sensitivity but the results are truly amazing.
“Alf has given his heart to this work and is a worthy recipient of this special award.
“As Hugh says these memorials were built out of love and have stood for the last 100 years. This project will ensure they are standing for the next 100 years.”
Allan Maguire, head of development and regeneration received a special Lifetime Achievement award for his work in developing the council’s estates and housing sections.
Mr Barron said Mr Maguire’s work has improved the lives and circumstances of at least 20,000 families.
He said: “In a career starting in London, for the last 17 years Allan has worked in the Highlands and shown true professionalism, ingenuity, creativity and dedication.
“The quality and volume of his work in delivering housing projects which have transformed the lives and opportunities of young families is quite incredible.”
In his tenure, the Highlands secured more than £400m from the Scottish Government to deliver more than 5,500 new affordable homes including more than 1,000 new council houses.
