24 February 2016

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had the honour of presenting a prestigious award to a young Scot for his volunteering work.

Lewis Shillinglaw from the 1st Loanhead Boys’ Brigade Company is the Scottish winner of the Make a Difference Award for his charity efforts.

The award is given to a Boys’ Brigade young person who has made a significant contribution to their local community.

Lewis was a very worthy recipient after carrying out over 220 hours of volunteering at Thornton Rose Riding for the Disabled.

During his meeting with the First Minister, Lewis said:

The people at Riding for the Disabled were fantastic and made me really welcome.  I started just to do some hours for my Queen’s Badge, but enjoyed it so much that I wanted to keep on volunteering.  It was a really rewarding thing to do.  I am now looking forward to doing my training to become a BB leader.”

Lewis also spent some time telling the First Minister what he enjoyed about the Boys Brigade, although it runs out that the First Minister has a close connection with the organisation – her husband had been a proud member alongside the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, when they were younger!

Ms Sturgeon said:

I was delighted to present Lewis with his trophy and hear more about the excellent work he has done within the community.

There is no doubt that his efforts have had a huge impact on the lives of those he has worked so closely with, and it is wonderful that he has been given the recognition he so rightly deserves.

Lewis is a truly admirable young man, and his commitment and dedication to helping others is a shining example to Scots both young and old. His achievements underline the role The Boys’ Brigade, and other youth work organisations, have in helping young people reach their full potential and play an active part in Scotland’s communities.”

Congratulations to Lewis for all his hard work!