The achievements of Argyll and Bute’s young people were recognised at a prestigious award ceremony in Helensburgh this week.

A total of 24 finalists attended the 2018 Argyll and Bute Youth Awards in the Victoria Halls for what was a very humbling and proud evening.

The winners were as follows:

Duke of Edinburgh Outstanding Achievement Award: Ellen Kennedy, Mull

Unsung Hero Award: Keira Rutherford, Rothesay

Youth Entrepreneur Award: Chris Berrall, Helensburgh and Lomond

Youth Volunteering Award: Alexander Anderson, Mull

Health and Wellbeing: Ciaran MacKenzie, Helensburgh

Youth Environment Award: HELP community Taskforce, Dunoon

Citizenship Award: Jamie Murray MSYP, Rothesay

Youth Arts Award: Into the Light – Beth Qualter and Holly Smith, Mid Argyll

Sporting Award: Cliona and Nuala McCheyne, Dunoon

Attending the awards, the Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Aileen Morton, spoke of the outstanding contributions that young people make to Argyll and Bute.

She said: “Having watched the videos of all the winners, it’s clear we have so much to be proud of in Argyll and Bute and our young people are a huge part of that. That’s why it’s a real pleasure to be able to recognise the contribution they make to life in our communities through the Argyll and Bute Awards 2018.

“These awards are much more than a way of highlighting the many achievements and successes of Argyll and Bute’s young people. They tell our young people that they matter – that what they do makes a difference to life in Argyll and Bute.

"They show our young people that they’re valued and have a key role to play in making Argyll and Bute a really great place to live, learn, work and visit. Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s awards. We’re honoured and delighted to be able to recognise your hard work, your commitment, your achievements and your success. Argyll and Bute is a better place because of you.”

To see the nomination videos of everyone who was shortlisted, visit: https://young.scot/local-authorities/argyll-and-bute/

Photographs of all the winners are available on request.