Award chance for charity champion

HER fundraising efforts have been extraordinarily successful, pulling in millions of pounds for various projects in the Kyle of Sutherland area.

So it is no surprise then, that Helen Houston, manager of the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust is in the running for a prestigious national award.

She has been shortlisted in the social enterprise category of the 2018 Social Enterprise Awards run by Social Enterprise Scotland.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, November 6.

Mrs Houston, who is set to retire shortly, said her inclusion in the list of finalists was in recognition of her work not just with the Trust but also with other community-based organisations including Alness Initiative and Community Energy Scotland.

And she said her achievements would not have been possible without the support of the volunteer directors and team members in these groups.

She said: "I have been fortunate to have such people round the table or part of my team. Together with the support of the wider community, change can happen and this is evident in Alness and in the Kyle of Sutherland."