An Ayr volunteer has been nominated for a prestigious volunteering award.

Cathy Costello of Ayr's Gaeity Partnership received the nod for "Volunteer Champion" as part of the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2023.

The awards, organised by Social Enterprise Scotland, recognise excellence and outstanding achievements by social enterprises – businesses that reinvest their profits for social and environmental good - that demonstrate they’re improving and building a better economy and fairer society.

With a total of nine categories open to all social enterprises that operate in Scotland or individuals that work/volunteer in Scotland, the awards present a real opportunity to showcase the very best of the sector.

They highlight the agility, ability and active role that social enterprises play in building places, supporting communities, and positively impacting our environment and wellbeing.

Ayr Gaiety Theatre took to social media to congratulate Cathy: "Did you spot that Ayr Gaiety Partnership has been selected as a finalist in the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2023?

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"Our brilliant box office volunteer and board member, Cathy Costello, has been shortlisted in the Volunteer Champion category sponsored by Volunteer Scotland.

"Winners will be announced on Thursday, October 26 at the #SocEntScotAwards23 Ceremony at the Scottish Parliament. Keep your fingers crossed for us."

Kim Wallace, director of membership and policy at Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “There is always much to celebrate about the impact of social enterprise in Scotland at both a local and national level.

"We were delighted by the quality, diversity, and geographic spread of applications this year with application numbers almost back to pre-pandemic levels.

"This is encouraging as this reflects the resilience, determination, and growth of the social enterprise movement.

"Our awards are designed to raise the profile of social enterprises and show that there is another way of doing business. We know that without such fabulous organisations on the ground, this would of course not be possible.

"We want to take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our 2023 applicants and the hard work and dedication of all of Scotland’s inspiring social enterprises and social entrepreneurs.”