LHYCA Chairperson named Volunteer of the Year

On Monday 2nd March LHYCA Chairperson & Youth Scotland Board Director Neil Macarthur was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award at the prestigious annual Youthlink Scotland Youth Work Awards Dinner.

The Youth Scotland Board Director and current chair of Lewis and Harris Youth Club Association was presented the award at the ceremony at Dunblane Hydro, which was hosted by broadcasting star Shereen Nanjiani and John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth.

Neil Macarthur, known to friends and colleagues as Fallon, has been involved with Youth Scotland and the voluntary youth work sector for over twenty years. His voluntary roles have included volunteer youth worker for Breasclette Youth Club, committee member and chair for Lewis and Harris Youth Club Association and project leader for the development of the Scaladale Activity Centre on the Isle of Harris.

Neil has directly impacted on youth provision in the Western Isles through numerous projects including supporting 185 young people to become safe and responsible road users through the Momentum programme, managing the Drinkaware Challenges programme in Lewis and Harris to support young people to gain accredited recognition for tackling youth alcohol issues and significantly increasing the number of activity opportunities for young people in the region.

His key role in the delivery of multiple youth exchange projects to Poland, Denmark and France, highlights his talent, vision and commitment to young people in Scotland and internationally.

Carol Downie, Chief Executive of Youth Scotland, commented:

“Fallon is an extremely deserving winner of this award. He has directly and dramatically impacted on the opportunities that are now available to young people and those who support them, and is a valued member of the Youth Scotland board.

“Volunteering is a vital aspect of the work Youth Scotland delivers through a network of almost 600 youth groups and organisations throughout Scotland. I believe Fallon embodies the spirit and dedication of the organisation and the sector in general. His commitment to young people is truly inspiring.”