A Carradale woman’s kindness has earned her the title of the Rotary Club of Campbeltown’s Citizen of the Year.
Sheena Ramsay officially received the award at the organisation’s 53rd charter dinner at Campbeltown’s Argyll Arms Hotel last Friday evening, where 18-year-old Iona Renton was also named Young Musician of the Year.
Sheena, who worked for many years as a cook at Carradale Primary School, is well known throughout Kintyre for going above and beyond to help her community.
She regularly delivers medical prescriptions in Carradale, and cooks, washes clothing and purchases shopping for those who are unable to do these tasks for themselves, as well as giving up her spare time to visit people in hospital.
Sheena is also well known for her dedication as an elder and joint session clerk at Saddell and Carradale Parish Church where she maintains the baptismal and congregational rolls.
She is also part of the Church of Scotland Guild, arranging many social and community events on behalf of the church.
“She is quick to identify those in need and, in her own unassuming way, she will visit and offer whatever help she can,” reads Sheena’s award citation.
“Even when times get tough, Sheena always thinks and caters for others before herself. She is a much-loved and respected member of the community.”
A Rotary spokesperson added: “Sheena has been nominated many times over the years but this is the first time she has received Rotary Club of Campbeltown Citizen of the Year Award and is a worthy winner.”
Sheena said she “never expected” the award and became emotional when her citation was read out as she does things just for the sake of kindness and not for any reward.
“It was a complete surprise,” she said. “It’s nice to know the things I do mean a lot to people.
“When I was told I’d been nominated for the Citizen of the Year award, I said I’m quite sure there are other people who have done more than I’ve done, but I was told my name had cropped up a few times and I was the one they voted for this year.
“I’m a bit overwhelmed that people nominated and voted for me. People have made some lovely comments about it and it means a lot.
“The way I look at life, it’s nice to be nice – I enjoy spending a wee bit of time with people when I do things like deliver church flowers or prescriptions.”
Sheena was joined by her husband Matthew at the Rotary dinner, where they had a lovely time, particularly enjoying hearing Young Musician of the Year Iona Renton’s “wonderful and moving” singing performance of She Used To Be Mine.
Iona started playing the piano at the tender age of six, dedicating and developing her skills to become one of teacher David McEwan’s youngest pupils to achieve Grade 8 standard.
From this young age, she enjoyed performing and soon added singing to her musical repertoire, turning her hand to several styles, with a passion for musical theatre.
Iona has appeared at many local events, and has performed solos with the Kintyre Chorale choir, as well as being the accompanist for Kintyre Young Voices.
Her award citation reads: “Iona has a natural flare for music and this is reflected in her superb performances.
“Her enthusiasm and love for music alongside her natural talent has inspired the youngsters of Kintyre Young Voices.”
A Rotary spokesperson said: “Iona has the makings of being an outstanding musician in both singing and playing the piano.
“Music is something that Iona was clearly born to do and therefore she is a worthy recipient of the
Rotary Club of Campbeltown’s Young Musician of the Year award.
“We wish her well on her future musical journey.”
Iona, who will be going to the University of Aberdeen in September to study music, performed at the Rotary Young Musician regional competition in Glasgow in February, and enjoyed meeting many fellow finalists.
Iona said: “I was very honoured and surprised to be thought of for the award and chosen to win, and I was very happy to have opportunity to compete at the Rotary Young Musician competition. This was a great experience for me, especially with going to study music in Aberdeen in September.”
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