Tributes were being paid over the achievements of Moray’s younger generation who have achieved success over a wide range of activities.
Councillors attending the audit and performance review committee this week hailed youth workers and other young people who have achieved success in Moray over a wide range of activities.
A report put before the committee said that while academic attainment was regularly reported it was far more difficult to quantify the wider achievements of young people in the region.
The report said: “There is a growing role for community activities to both support and enhance school-based learning.”
In the report councillor’s were reminded that such as the 1st Buckie Boys Brigade was the larges company of its kind in the entire UK, and that 28 boys had gained the Queens Badge over the last two years from a total of 32 throughout Moray.
It also said that during 2013-14 a total of 866 pupils from Moray secondary primary schools completed the John Muir environmental award, while seven young musicians from Moray schools played with the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland.
Meanwhile 38 young people gained sports leader awards and three Girl Guides are currently working towards the Queen’s Guide Award, the ultimate accolade in the Guide movement.
Councillor Gordon McDonald, who chairs the audit and performance review committee, said: “Each and every member of the committee was full of admiration for these young people who have achieved such a vast range of awards across so many different disciplines and activities.
“The council’s own youth workers do a great job in helping these youngsters fulfil their potential, as do the many volunteers who give up their time to run the clubs and youth organisations of which many of our young people are members.
“These young people are the volunteers of the future and there is evidence that many are already joining the ranks of the voluntary sector which plays such a vital role in community life in Moray.”
Councillor McDonald added that more simplified disclosure check procedures had also made it more straightforward for young people to become involved in volunteering.