AWARDS: West Dunbartonshire Teacher is Employee of the Year
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Free pictures on behalf of West Dunbartonshire council.
2019 Loch Lomond Highland games at the Moss O' Balloch. A record number of visitors turned out to watch the popular annual Loch Lomond Highland Games at Balloch today.
More than 9,000 visitors attended the event, in Moss OÕBalloch Park, for a range of traditional highland game competitions including cycling, running, hammer throwing and heavy weights and the traditional tossing of the caber and tug-of-war.
Dancers entertained the crowds by performing traditional highland dances with their immaculate costumes and perfect hair, and spectators enjoyed music from Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun and Tulliallan pipes and drums.
The popular games welcomed visitors from as far afield as Germany and Canada who travelled to Scotland to enjoy the traditional Scottish games and was broadcasted to millions of viewers in China watching Chinese travel programme ÔZhuÕs life in BritainÕ.
Aynsley Gouck, Assistant Director of Niagra Highland Dance Academy, said ÒWe are over from Ontario Canada and we are attending four Highland Games during our visit. We love Balloch itÕs a beautiful area of Scotland and weÕve been looking forward to our visit. The Highland Dancing competition is very well organised and the girls are very honoured to be dancing in Scotland.Ó
German friends Tina and Arthur Helbig and Kirsten and Volber Rademacher, said: ÒWe are in Scotland for 10 days and although weÕre not staying in Balloch we couldnÕt miss this event. ItÕs a great to see all the smart girls in their beautiful Highland dress and hear the pipe band. We are very excited to be here today.Ó
West Dunbartonshire Council leader Jonathan McColl, said: "This yearÕs event was a fantastic day and helped by the wonderful weather. Well done to all the competitors for putting on a great show and thanks to the spectators for encouraging the athletes and putting on a great show. ItÕs always lovely to meet visitors who have travelled around the world to attend this great event. I am proud of our Scottish heritage and the Games are a great way for tourists and visitors to get a true taste of Scotland. Well done to the GamesÕ committee, West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust and West Dunbartonshire Council on organising yet another hugely successful event.Ó
The Chieftain of the Loch Lomond Highland Games, Major James Macrae said: "I am delighted with this yearÕs event which has been a great success and has been very well attended. WeÕve been really fortunate with the weather the last two years and we are grateful to the thousands who came along, which is great testament to everyone involved in organising the Games. Over the years, the games have attracted contestants and spectators from home and abroad every year and I would like to thank everyone who played their part in making this yearÕs games a huge success. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank our contestants and sponsors, in particular West Dunbartonshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, for their continued support."
For a full round up of results please visit Loch Lomond High Games website at www.llhgb.com
Copyright photo by Paul Chappells, 07774730898
www.paulphoto.co.uk
Gill Timney, a physical education teacher at Vale of Leven Academy, with other winners and Council chief executive Peter Hessett.
By Lauren Crooks
A West Dunbartonshire teacher who supports pupils to become more involved in sport and physical activity has been named as the Council’s employee of the year.
Gill Timney, a physical education teacher at Vale of Leven Academy, set up a Sports Council within the school, offering extra-curricular activities for pupils led by their peers.
The model has been a huge success with almost 200 pupils participating in the sessions put on via the sports council each week.
As well as benefiting the pupils’ health and well-being, the Sports Council provides opportunities to enhance team working and leadership skills, as well as build upon confidence.
Gill was presented with her award at the Council’s Employee Recognition Awards at Clydebank Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon.
She was among six winners across a range of categories to recognise excellence in service delivery and thank staff members and teams who have made a real difference to the Council and residents.
John Stevenson was named as Team Leader of the year at the event after he was a pillar of strength and offered personal support to his team when a good friend and colleague passed away.
The neighbourhood team was named as Team of Year for their efforts supporting the emergency services response to ongoing situations in the area including a major fire at the former Frank Downie House.
In the Community Award category, communities worker Sean McGonagle was named winner for introducing and developing the popular Community Soup events in West Dunbartonshire, supporting members of the community to make their ideas a reality.
The Young Ambassador of the Year award went to plumber Scott McCafferty who was recognised for his attention to detail coupled with his desire to ensure tenants are happy with the work he has undertaken.
Each year, one winner is chosen to receive the Chief Executive Award for outstanding contribution.
This year, Chief Executive Peter Hessett presented the award to the Greenspace and Facilities Management teams who supported the delivery of the biggest and most successful Pipe Band Championships in its history in the area, bringing significant economic benefit to West Dunbartonshire.
The event also congratulated employees with 25 years of service, presenting them with a long-service certificate to mark the important milestone.
Peter Hessett, Chief Executive, said: “What a wonderful event honouring our dedicated employees in person for the work they do.
“It was incredibly inspiring to hear how so many go above and beyond every single day to ensure our residents get the best service possible.
“As Chief Executive, I am proud of the excellent contribution from all nominees and so thankful to get the chance to thank them personally and give them the recognition they deserve.
