Clan Sutherland Society's Young Citizen of the Year Award presented to Poppy Mackay at Gathering dinner

A YOUNG Golspie musician has been presented with the Clan Sutherland Society in Scotland Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Poppy Mackay received the award from society president Mark Sutherland-Fisher at a dinner held on Friday, June 9, as part of the Clan Sutherland Gathering.

Poppy is currently a student at Golspie High School but has won a place to study music at the National Centre of Excellence in Traditonal Music based at Plockton High School.

Mr Sutherland-Fisher said: “Poppy’s record in helping to care for others and in particular her enthusiastic encouragement of younger children to play music was recognised by the society council members from across the world who comprised the judging panel.”

Poppy received a £150 gift voucher and a cheque for the same value for her nominated charity, The Young Karers East Sutherland (TYKES).

At the dinner Poppy and fellow musicians Caragh Gillot and Georgie MacLennan entertained Clan Sutherland members with a selection of traditional Scottish airs and music which was warmly received. As a mark of appreciation they each received a gift voucher.

Poppy is now the fourth winner of the Clan Sutherland Society in Scotland Young Citizen of the Year Award following its inauguration at the International Gathering in 2018. Once again it was run in partnership with the Highland News Media Group, owners of the Northern Times.

Nominations for the 2024 award open on January 1, 2024. Any young person aged 12-14 who lives in Sutherland may be nominated in recognition of his or her outstanding contribution to the care and welfare of others.

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