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Attendees over 6 years
Nominations over 6 years
Years Running
Awards in 2026
Volunteer of the Year Awards 2026 – Highlights
Relive the magic of the Volunteer of the Year Awards 2026.
Held at Dunoon Burgh Hall, this year's awards brought together volunteers, community organisations, sponsors and supporters from across Argyll and Bute for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the remarkable people who make our communities stronger every day.
From our Sustainability Showcase and Sustainable Fashion Show to the emotional award presentations and live performances, VOY 2026 showcased the incredible impact of volunteering across the region.
Congratulations once again to every nominee, finalist and winner, and thank you to everyone who helped make this year's awards such a memorable celebration.
A special thank you to Beth Chalmers Photography for beautifully capturing the spirit of the day in this highlights film.
Press play below to relive the celebrations.
Looking forward to VOY 2027 already!
Do you know someone who deserves recognition?
Alas, you've missed the deadline for nominations this year! We will be reopening for next year in early 2027.
The Categories
Volunteer of the Year
This category is for those people over the age 25's who you believe are deserving of recognition for the work they do volunteering in the community
Young Volunteer of the Year
Our younger volunteers are vital, as they represent the future of volunteering in Argyll & Bute. Do you know someone under 25 who deserves recognition?
Regional Heros
There are 6 awards up for grab here, one each for Oban & Lorn, Helensburgh & Lomond, Mid Argyll & Kintyre, Bute, Cowal and The Islands.
Volunteering Team of the Year
Volunteering isn't always down to an individual and this award is in recognition of outstanding team effort in volunteering. This award is sponsored by Argyll & Bute Council
Volunteer Organisation of the Year
Volunteering often takes a lot of time and effort to arrange and coordinate and there are some amazing organisations that do just that. This award is made to recognise those organisations.
Health & Wellbeing Volunteer
This award will be made to a volunteer in recognition of their contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of people and communities. This award is sponsored by Argyll and Bute Health & Social Care Partnership.
Sports Coach of the Year
This award will be made to a volunteer in recognition of their contribution to sport or physical activity in the school or community setting. It is open to all volunteers over 25 who have demonstrated their enthusiasm and commitment over the past year.
Young Sports Coach Volunteer of the Year
This award will be made to a young volunteer in recognition of their contribution to sport or physical activity in the school, or community setting. It is open to all volunteers between the ages of 12 and 25 who have demonstrated their enthusiasm and commitment over the past year.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is in recognition of an individual's exemplary long-term commitment to volunteering. This is our most prestigious award!
Community Learning Volunteer of the Year
This award will be made to a volunteer in recognition of their contribution to supporting all aspects of community learning – Adult Learning (Including Adult Literacy, Numeracy and English Speakers of Other Languages) and Youth Work. It is open to all volunteers who have demonstrated their enthusiasm and commitment over the past year.
Gaelic Volunteer
This award honours an individual or group of volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to promoting and preserving the Gaelic language and culture. Whether through education, community initiatives, arts, or advocacy, this award recognises those dedicated to keeping Gaelic alive and inspiring future generations to connect with their linguistic and cultural heritage. This award is sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
Tha an duais seo a’ toirt urram do neach no buidheann de shaor-thoilich a chuir gu mòr ri bhith a’ brosnachadh agus a’ glèidheadh cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig. Dh’fhaodadh seo a bhith tro fhoghlam, iomairtean coimhearsnachd, na h-ealain, no tagraidhean. Bidh an duais seo ag aithneachadh an fheadhainn a tha gu sònraichte airson a’ Ghàidhlig a chumail beò agus a’ brosnachadh na ginealaich ri teachd gus ceangal a dhèanamh ri’n cuid dualchas, cultar agus cànan.
Sustainability Champion Award
This award celebrates an individual or group of volunteers who’ve made a real difference in their community by championing sustainability. Whether it’s protecting the environment, reducing waste, or inspiring others to live more sustainably, this award shines a light on those who are passionate about building a greener future. This award is sponsored by ACHA.
Creative Legacy Award
This award celebrates an individual or group of volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to culture, heritage, or the arts within their community. From preserving local history and traditions to inspiring creativity through the arts, this award recognises those who are passionate about keeping culture alive and thriving