Alistair Joss of Dundee & Angus Battalion and 3^rd Kilsyth’s Jim McCormack have both been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Youth Worker of the Year Awards 2017 at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza on 16^th March.

The national award recognises their long-term commitment and outstanding achievement in the field of youth work. The National Youth Worker of the Year Awards are aimed at those who have had a positive impact on the youth work sector and have been recognising these great contributions since they started in 2007.

Joining as a boy in 1954, Alistair completed his Queen’s Badge and was appointed to Lieutenant in 1979 and was made Battalion President from 1995 until 2001. In 2000 the 71-year-old was elected to the Scotland Committee of The Boys’ Brigade where he supported the work of mid-Scotland area.

Alistair was appointed Vice President in 2003 when the new Dundee and Angus Battalion formed, a position he held until 2009. He continues to serve as Battalion Secretary, playing an integral part of the quality assessment team for the KGVI Youth Leader Training Scheme and a valued member of the BB Safeguarding Appeals Panel.

Following the award presentation, Alistair, said:

“To be recognised by your peers for such an award is just a delight. When you are voluntary youth worker, regardless of the setting, you don’t expect to be recognised in this way.

“Everybody needs a focus and impetus to do well – and I believe that membership of The Boys’ Brigade is one of the best backgrounds to have for young people.”

Jim, from Gartsherrie in Coatbridge, started his faith journey from an early age, attending Sunday School before joining the BB Life Boys at Old Monkland Church of Scotland when he was eight-years-old. A few years later he joined the 7^th Coatbridge BB Company where he became a Warrant Officer for the Junior Section, eventually working up to become a Lieutenant in the Company section.

As a BB leader, Jim has held various positions in Airdrie, Coatbridge & District Battalion including in expedition and cross-country events. He has always showed an interest in outdoor work, leading groups on expeditions on the Scottish hills becoming a particular favourite. Jim has served on the national outdoor and expedition team for over twenty years, and from 2009 – 2015 as expedition coordinator.

He has also supported weekly activities of BB companies and has helped at many companies, including 6^th Airdrie, 7^th Airdrie and 10^th Coatbridge. Jim is now a volunteer member of the 3^rd Kilsyth company staff team.

Jim said:

“I was totally gobsmacked and very honoured to have received this award!

“I hope that my involvement has helped young people to go further, seek new opportunities and take the initiative.”

Commenting on Alistair and Jim’s achievements, Alan Hunter, acting Director of The Boys’ Brigade in Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the entire BB family, I would like to wish Alistair and Jim massive congratulations on receiving these national awards. They have played integral roles, both locally and nationally over several decades.

“We are extremely lucky to have so many passionate and dedicated volunteers like these in the BB. This award is an excellent personal achievement for them, but it is also recognition of the work carried out by so many across the organisation.”

To learn more about volunteering opportunities in The Boys’ Brigade, please visit our website.

Tags: awards, volunteer