HLSC at the Argyll and Bute Volunteer of the Year Awards

Congratulations to Neil Towart on being awarded Sports Coach of the Year at the Argyll and Bute Volunteer of the Year Awards!

Holy Loch Sailing Club is run entirely by volunteers. We only call on professional services as a last resort. Without the enthusiasm, skills and dedication of our volunteers, we simply wouldn't have the thriving club that we enjoy today.

It was therefore especially fitting to see a number of our volunteers recognised at this year's Argyll and Bute Volunteer of the Year Awards.

As most of us know, Neil has led the Cadet Section at the club for many years, and this award is thoroughly deserved. His enthusiasm, commitment and dedication have inspired generations of young sailors. Many have gone on to enjoy success within the sailing community as competitive sailors and professionals in the marine industry, while many more have developed a lifelong love of sailing for leisure. Neil's impact on our club and on so many individuals cannot be overstated.

In addition to Neil's success as Sports Coach of the Year, other members of Holy Loch Sailing Club also reached the finals in their respective categories.

Bill Aitchison, our Race Officer for many years, was shortlisted in the final three for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Bill has been a dedicated volunteer for decades, organising racing at club, regional and national events for both Holy Loch Sailing Club and the Royal Gourock Yacht Club. His relentless hard work has helped provide some of the finest yacht racing on the Clyde and has earned the respect of sailors from across the UK.

Finally, our Skiff Build Team were shortlisted in the final three for the Creative Legacy Award. Their hard work over the winter building our recently launched St Ayles Skiff, *Cluaran*, has created a lasting legacy that will benefit our community for many years to come, while also celebrating the proud tradition of boat building in and around the Holy Loch.

It was also fantastic to see other members of our club recognised for their volunteering in other sectors. Congratulations to Alec Bisset for winning the Community Learning Volunteer category, and to Graeme Murray, who was shortlisted in the final three in an incredible three categories. Congratulations also to Catriona Craig and the Argyll Pink Ladies, who were shortlisted in the final three for the Volunteer Team of the Year category

To every volunteer who gives their time, energy and expertise to Holy Loch Sailing Club—thank you. Whether you're coaching, running races, maintaining the clubhouse, supporting events, serving on committees, or helping behind the scenes, you are the reason our club continues to thrive. You have made Holy Loch Sailing Club the vibrant, welcoming and successful part of our community that it is today.

Congratulations once again to all of this year's nominees and winners. We are incredibly proud of you all.

For those of you that wish to see Neil receiving his award, it is on YouTube (fast forward to 44:30 to see the interesting bit!)

youtube.com/watch?v=oQ7viSwYrMI&fbclid=IwY2xjawSsemxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExaFpsNGY0QXVmU2RSSWd0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhi0AQSWyPBKrCetHEInRLK2e0vXm3XZUcqEHxX9QF_ESGDgFqgPCrt9DO_v_aem_yKv8VZr8ZsLstoRTAStZzA