Volunteers from across West Lothian have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to local communities at the West Lothian Volunteer Awards 2026, held on Thursday 4th June as part of Volunteers’ Week.
Hosted by Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian, the event brought together volunteers, community organisations and supporters to celebrate the incredible people who give so much of their time to help others across the county.
The awards recognised volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, from young people making a difference in their communities to individuals who have dedicated decades of service to local causes.
Ray Fallan, Volunteering and Governance Development Officer at Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian, said: “The Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian had the absolute honour to host the Volunteer Awards Celebration held in St Mary’s Church, Bathgate on the 4th of June 2026. It was a pleasure to arrange the event and to recognise our local volunteers who are quite literally bursting with kindness, dedication, and community spirit.”
The organisation also thanked event sponsors Sibbald Training, Konect Magazine, and Better U Group for helping make the event possible, alongside Moira Niven, Lord-Lieutenant of West Lothian, for attending and helping celebrate local volunteers.
Volunteer Awards 2026 Winners and Runners-Up
Assisted Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Morag Goulden (Military Museum Scotland)
Runner-up: Fiona Murray (Answer Project)
Lifelong Commitment Award
Winner: Robert Baird (Armadale Thistle Football Club)
Runner-up: Nancy Baker (Carers of West Lothian)
Trustee of the Year
Joint Winners: Bronwen Smith (Elevate Acro Gymnastics Club) and Rachel Johns (SMILE Counselling)
Runner-up: Mary Young (Stoneyburn and Bents Future Vision Group)
Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Elaine Watson (Nicola’s)
Runner-up: Dawn Ashworth (West Lothian Council’s Advice Shop)
Volunteer Team of the Year
Winner: Elevate Acro Gymnastics Club
Runner-up: Nicola’s
Young Volunteer of the Year
Joint Winners: Rebecca Weir (West Lothian Active Schools) and Eva Black (West Lothian Active Schools)
Runner-up: Rachael Moir (West Lothian Active Schools)
The Volunteer Awards 2026 served as a reminder of the vital role volunteers play in strengthening communities across West Lothian and improving the lives of others every day
By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter
