THE finalists in this year’s Provost Civic Awards have been revealed.

The annual event looks to recognise those who frequently go the extra mile for their communities.

Earlier this year local residents were encouraged to nominate individuals or groups they felt had made a significant contribution to improving the area and lives of people who live in West Dunbartonshire.

This year’s list includes committed volunteers, organisations providing support to combat mental health issues and loneliness as well as sports stars.

The awards ceremony will be held at Clydebank Town Hall on November 17.

The 2023 Provost Civic Awards shortlist

Arts and Culture champion:

Awestruck Academy: A community organisation based in Clydebank which provides a range of different activities including access to musical instruments, free tuition, art and digital learning sessions, and a safe space for young people to build their confidence.

Gillian Johnston: Ms Johnston donated hand-crafted quilts and banners that reflect key West Dunbartonshire heritage themes including the Clydebank Blitz and the recent 800th anniversary of the Royal Burgh.

These have enhanced displays in local exhibitions.

Carole Blunt: Carole is a retiree who has dedicated the last two decades to creating a fairy garden for her local community, transforming a disused area in Red Fox Drive into a haven for children and families, who write letters to fairies and visit their tiny homes.

Sports Champion (sponsored by Alger Electrics)

Maia Bisley: At just 13 years old Maia has become a kickboxing sensation with multiple title wins including four gold and two silver medals at the Kickboxing World Cup in Hungary and a clean sweep of golds in every event she competed in at Kickboxing GB’s International Open.

Martin Perry: Martin is a professional para table tennis player who was born with a condition called Congenital Limb Loss and Deformity resulting in him having no hands and one leg. Martin was nominated for his success at the Worlds where he won a bronze medal.

Lorna McClymont: Lorna is a former Dumbarton Academy pupil who was recently crowned the UK’s top student golfer and whose success in the sport had seen her selected for the 2023 Arnold Palmer Cup, an event similar to the Ryder Cup for students.

Community/voluntary champions team

Central Alexandria Tenants and Residents Group (CATRA): This group was nominated for the tireless support they offer the community including advocating on their behalf for local improvements, running fun days, and installing planters and flower beds throughout Central Alexandria to enhance the environment for everyone in the area.

Work Connect Service Users: This group works hard to maintain the Dementia Friendly Gardens at the Vale of Leven Hospital and Glenarn Ward at Dumbarton Joint Hospital creating a welcoming and peaceful area for both patients and staff.

Mentor Scotland: This group runs talking sessions, meditation, cold water therapy, and badminton sessions all aimed at supporting people who are suffering from poor mental health by providing a safe space for peer-to-peer guidance and friendship.

Community/voluntary champion individual (sponsored by Wheatley Group)

Nichola Mable: Nichola initially set up The Recycle Room in Clydebank in a bid to reduce landfill waste but quickly developed into supporting families in need all over the area.

Caroline Sweeney: Caroline, who despite suffering her own health setbacks, has raised thousands for the Scottish Cot Death Trust in memory of her grandson Callin.

Bob Cross: Bob is a volunteer at the Skylark IX Project in Dumbarton who has racked up more than 300 hours of voluntary work and was nominated for his commitment and dedication to helping the project thrive.

Youth Champion

This year’s youth champion is Olivia McCord who was nominated for her inspirational attitude in the face of adversity.

Olivia lost her hands and feet after battling cancer and sepsis. Despite this the determined youngster hasn’t stopped doing what she loves – she’s already back on stage with her dance group as well as regularly horse riding.

She has been described as an ‘inspiration to everyone’.

At the end of the event, Provost Douglas McAllister will announce the overall winner who will receive the Citizen of the Year award (sponsored by CCG).

Provost McAllister said: “Every single nomination received was deserving of praise and reading through them, I was extremely proud that West Dunbartonshire is home to so many different fantastic people and organisations who go above and beyond every day.

“They each have gone above and beyond to help someone else, in some cases devoting hundreds of hours of their own time to improve the lives of others and make a real difference in our communities. 

“Everyone who was nominated for this year’s awards should be immensely proud of themselves and I would like to extend my thanks to every resident who took the time to highlight these exceptional people, even if they did make my task as one of the judges a very difficult one.

"I’m very much looking forward to meeting each of our finalists in person in November.”