Dumfries and Galloway has been successful having finalists in six categories at this year’s Scottish Veterans Awards, demonstrating the significant activity and high calibre of people involved in our region.
The nominations are:
Role Model of the Year – Archie Dryburgh MBE
Health and Wellbeing Award – The Veterans Garden Dumfries
Employer of The Year – Dumfries and Galloway Council
Volunteer of The Year – Mark Harper, The Veterans Garden Dumfries and Maurice Kennedy, The Veterans Garden Dumfries
Lifetime Achievement – Archie Dryburgh MBE
Veterans Group of The Year – The Veterans Garden Dumfries
Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Archie Dryburgh, MBE, said: “I am absolutely delighted with this result, it’s way beyond our expectations! To have achieved national recognition in so many different areas of work with veterans is remarkable and I am immensely proud to be part of it.”
Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, added: “I have had the privilege of meeting and working with all the nominees, so I know first hand how much work they put in to supporting veterans across our region. Their leadership and commitment to improving the quality of life for current and past Armed Forces personnel is unwavering and it is wonderful to see that acknowledgement in this way.”
Gail Macgregor, Depute Convener and Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “Our council has a long history of recruiting and supporting veterans and Armed Forces personnel so it is good to see that recognised by our success. There’s tough competition but to have made it this far, and be the only local authority finalist, says something special is happening in this council.”
Mark Harper of The Veterans Garden Dumfries added: “I too am overwhelmed by this success. It’s just brilliant, and rightful recognition of the hard work that all the veterans do here at the garden, day in day out, to support each other.”
