Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS) are delighted to announce the launch of the 2026 VAS Volunteering Awards, to recognise the amazing volunteering and acts of kindness happening throughout the Shetland Islands. Everyone deserves a thank you.
Do you know someone who deserves a thank you for helping out in their community? Someone who quietly helps other folk, someone who helps out at community events, volunteers with an organisation, serves on a committee, a community stalwart. If you would like to say thank you or to recognise someone for all thier efforts then complete a nomination form for the VAS Volunteering Awards. Eveyone nominated nominated and meeting the criteria will receive a certificate.
The awards consists of two categories, the 'WILLIN HANDS AWARD' for adults aged 26 and over, and the 'PEERIE TROWS AWARD' for children 11 and under. The awards will be complementing the national Saltire Awards scheme which VAS deliver annually to recognise young people aged 11-25.
The aim of the VAS Volunteering Awards is to recognise and celebrate Shetland's many willing helpers, good neighbours and volunteers of all ages who help out and volunteer in their communities the length and breadth of Shetland. We recognise all volunteers both formal and informal who help out through volunteer involving organisations and informally by helping in their local communities, supporting neighbours with shopping, seeing they are ok, bake for teas, litter picking and many other activities.
The awards are nomination based, anyone (individuals or an organisation) can nominate someone - adult or child who volunteers or has volunteered this year. Nominations open Tuesday 22nd September and close on the 12th October. To nominate you can either complete an online form, fill in a nomination form and send to us at [email protected] or a paper format is available from our office at Market House. Please read the nomination guidelines before nominating someone for the awards.
