Veteran fundraiser wins Dornoch Community Award 2022
The Dornoch Community Award 2022 is to go to veteran local fundraiser Marian Swanson, it has been announced.
She will be the third recipient of the community champion accolade, which was introduced by the current Dornoch Area Community Council.
Chairman Patrick Murray said at the group’s meeting last week. “We have all voted for Marian Swanson for the Dornoch Community Award and she will be absolutely over the moon.”
Ms Swanson has worked tirelessly for more than 15 years generating funds for good causes through St Finnbarr’s Charity Shop, located in the town.
She has also run weekly coffee mornings in Dornoch Social Club and collected donations for Highland Foodbank.
The award was presented in 2021 to Dornoch Pipe Band stalwart Willie Fraser, with the inaugural 2020 winner being retired roofer Michael Banks, a community stalwart.
Last year’s award winner was selected after local residents were asked to put nominations forward and then vote via a ballot in local shops and community buildings and an online poll.
However, the decision this year was taken by community councillors because of time constraints.
Mr Murray said it had to be decided what type of presentation ceremony to hold.
“She would be happy with something small,” he said. “The last twice we did not have a huge ceremony to hand over the quaich, but we are no longer in Covid-19 restrictions.”
Treasurer Jerry Bishop suggested that it be presented at a community market, saying: “Marian is always there, raising money at her stall. And there is always a buzz about the event.”
Mr Murray responded: “I think that is a beautiful idea.”
It was agreed a small handover ceremony would take place at around midday on Wednesday, July 13, at the community market on the cathedral green.
