An Orkney Islands Council road safety officer has been recognised nationally for her long standing commitment to helping children cycle safely and confidently on local roads.
Yvonne Scott has been named the highly commended runner up for the Keith Fergus Annual Achievement Award, which celebrates outstanding delivery of Bikeability Scotland training.
The award recognises Yvonne’s 21 years of work with Orkney Islands Council, where she has worked closely with the Active Schools team to achieve annual 100% Bikeability training delivery across Orkney.
The presentation took place during a small ceremony at St Magnus Cathedral, where the award was presented by Carolynn Leslie, Active Schools Coordinator for Orkney Islands Council.
Judges praised Yvonne for her proactive, resourceful and flexible approach, highlighting her role in ensuring that every pupil in Orkney has the opportunity to take part in on road cycle training and develop essential life skills.
Kenny Roy, Service Manager for Roads and Grounds, said Yvonne’s impact stretches back generations.
“Yvonne has worked with the council’s Road Safety and Community Safety teams for over 20 years.
“She has been instrumental in seeking out and obtaining funding, through Cycling Scotland and other avenues, to encourage children to cycle.
“Through her enthusiasm Yvonne has encouraged children, and possibly now their children, to learn to cycle and use their bikes safely when interacting with traffic on the public road.”
Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of Education, Leisure and Housing, said the recognition was richly deserved.
“I’m so pleased to celebrate Yvonne being recognised for the Keith Fergus Annual Achievement Award.
“Her dedication, professionalism, and genuine commitment shine through in everything she does, and this recognition is truly well earned.
“Well done, Yvonne, a wonderful achievement.”
The Bikeability programme is designed to give children practical, real world cycling skills, helping them build confidence, independence and road awareness from an early age.
Orkney’s consistent full delivery of the programme has been widely praised, particularly given the logistical challenges of reaching schools across multiple islands.
Yvonne said she was deeply moved by the recognition.
“I was absolutely delighted and proud to be recognised for this, for the Keith Fergus Annual Achievement Award.
“It is absolutely brilliant.”
Orkney Islands Council has extended its congratulations to Yvonne for her contribution to children’s safety, confidence and wellbeing, and has wished her well as she prepares for retirement.
For many families across Orkney, the legacy of that work will continue to be felt every time a child cycles safely along a local road.
