Celebration night as Fife’s volunteers are honoured at 2026 awards

Fife’s leading volunteers have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

Fife Voluntary (FVA) shone a light on the success stories and commitment of many Fifers at its annual Volunteering and Voluntary Sector Awards, held at Rothes Halls in Glenrothes last week.

Green/Environmental winner, CLEAR Buckhaven and Methil (Pic: Submitted)

placeholder image — Green/Environmental winner, CLEAR Buckhaven and Methil (Pic: Submitted)

A total of 265 nominati ons poured in across the 18 categories, giving the judges a hard job to Thepanel consisted of Roy Lawrence (head of culture, engagement and communities at Fife Health & Social Care Partnership), Ronnie Muir (Chair of FVA Board), Sandra Morris (chief executive of Fife Carers Centre), and Brad MacKay (deputy principal and vice-principal at University of St Andrews)

The evening was hosted by Dave Connor and Vanessa Motion from radio station, Original106, and the awards were presented by category sponsors, and Deputy Provost Councillor Dave Dempsey.

Volunteer of the Year - Donald Cuthbert (Siblings Reunited, STAR) (Pic: Submitted)

Kenny Murphy, Chief Executive of FVA, said “Each year, these awards remind us of the extraordinary people and organisations working tirelessly to support communities across Fife. It is both inspiring and humbling to hear the stories behind the nominations and to celebrate the volunteers, community groups, and voluntary organisations whose dedication makes such a profound difference to people’s lives.”

Linda Watson, head of volunteering development, added: “We were delighted by the number and calibre of nominations received this year, which reflects the incredible dedication, passion, and impact of volunteers and voluntary organisations across Fife. We hope these awards inspire even more people to consider volunteering. Whether you can give a few hours a month or make a longer-term commitment, there are opportunities to suit all interests, skills and experiences, and every contribution can make a real difference.”

The 2026 winners were: Mature Volunteer Award - Roy Daniels (Boys Brigade and Dysart Community Hall); Young Volunteer Award Molly McGurk-Foy (YMCA Kirkcaldy); Social Inclusion Award - Care and Share Companionship

Active Volunteer Award - David Pratt (Lang Toun Nordic Walkers), Active Organisation Award -

Award winners on stage at Rothes Halls (Pic: Submitted)

Street Soccer Scotland, Fife; Inspirational Volunteer Award -Mary Kennedy (NHS Fife); Socially Enterprising Award - Lang Toun Cycles Community Bike Shop

Tackling Poverty Award - Kelty Community Centre; Saltire Summit Awards - Alexa Campbell-Gibbs (YMCA Kirkcaldy and Adam Smith Theatre), Kalah Hathaway (Police Scotland Youth Volunteers)

Long Service Awards

20 Years’ Service - Lynn Rose (OnFife), Stanley Welch (West Fife Woodlands Group); 21 Years-

Active Volunteer Award - David Pratt (Lang Toun Nordic Walkers), (Pic: Submitted)

Irene Cairns (Bums off Seats); 22 Years - Susan Hannah (OnFife); 25 Years - Aileen Buchanan (OnFife); 30 Years - Sheila Duncan (Seescape); 39 Years - Billy Swan (SEAL Dunfermline); 50 Years - Elizabeth Wells (Dunfermline Samaritans); 65 Years - Roy Daniels (Boys Brigade and Dysart Community Hall)

Trustee/Board Member Award Irene Donaldson (Re-Employ); Health and Wellbeing Award -

Cruse Scotland Bereavement Support; Green/Environmental Award -(CLEAR Buckhaven and Methil; Volunteering into Work Award - Ashley Hunter (Clued Up Project); Children, Young People and Families Award - Siblings Reunited (STAR).

Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering - Beth Coates (Seescape); Organisation of the Year - Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre; Volunteer of the Year - Donald Cuthbert (Siblings Reunited, STAR)