New 'honours and awards' board will reward and recognise 'extraordinary folk' of Sutherland
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A project to recognise and reward those who have made special contributions to society in Sutherland is now under way.
The Sutherland Honours and Awards Board has been set up by the Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland Major General Patrick Marriott in a bid to celebrate those who have done "amazing things" their communities in Sutherland.
The new board, consisting of 6–8 volunteers, met a fortnight ago for its inaugural meeting and is now up and running – and it is already working on nominations for people within the county.
Honours and awards, such as MBEs and BEMs, are usually awarded to people in recognition of special contributions to society or for extraordinary achievements.
Sutherland’s most recent award went to Mrs Catherine Shaw in June – an MBE for services to nursing.
The new volunteer group aims to improve the likelihood of honours and awards for people in Sutherland in order to "better reflect" their contribution.
Nominations will then go forward to a national committee for a decision to be taken.
The board will also be able to advise people discreetly on the process, offer help with compilation of citations and ease the making of a nomination.
Major General Marriott said: “In my travels around the county I have been struck by how many people are doing amazing things with, frankly, not enough recognition for their kindness, hard work and service.
"The place is simply awash with extraordinary folk. Some may say that they want no reward at all for what they do, but in reality such rewards not only give great pleasure to their friends and families but also set such a fantastic example for others to follow.
"Getting this set up required the help of the Protocol and Honours Office in the Scottish Government at Holyrood. They have been hugely supportive and helpful throughout and all credit to them. They have arranged training for the board and much more."
The Sutherland Honours and Awards Board is keen to hear from anyone who believes they know of individuals in Sutherland who might merit recognition and can easily be contacted by email to sutherlandlieutenancy@gmail.com, or directly to the Lord-Lieutenant or one of his seven deputies around the county.
