A DEDICATED FOCHABERS MEMBER of the Highland Conservation Volunteer group has been honoured with a National Trust for Scotland Volunteer of the Year award at a ceremony in Edinburgh.
Ron Clowes contributes to the conservation charity through his role as an outdoor conservation volunteer – members of the Trust’s five Conservation Volunteer groups are a diverse group of people who carry out practical outdoor work, including drystone dyking, footpath construction, woodland management, and much more.
Ron joined the Highland group when it re-formed three years ago and since has become invaluable, supporting and training others to carry out a range of projects. Now his enthusiasm and hard work has been recognised in a nomination by a fellow volunteer.
The nomination noted: “Ron is always ready to impart relevant parts of his vast knowledge to ensure that others achieve the task with satisfaction and pride.
“He is an extremely valued member of the team, constantly willing to do that little bit extra. He is liked and respected by all his colleagues and is an outstanding candidate for Volunteer of the Year.”
Awards were presented in categories including gardens, groups, support, outdoor conservation and property, representing the breadth of volunteer work for the National Trust for Scotland across the country in conserving and promoting Scotland’s heritage.
The award was presented to Ron by National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive Simon Skinner, who said: “Volunteers are a vital force in protecting Scotland’s heritage, devoting their time and talent to our charity and the wonderful places in our care.
“I want to say thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers who play such an important role in our conservation volunteer groups and at every National Trust for Scotland site across the country.”
The National Trust for Scotland has around 4000 volunteers who play a key role in keeping Scotland’s heritage alive at properties and offices all over Scotland. For more information about volunteering opportunities visit: http://www.nts.org.uk/Volunteering/.