The historic Strathpeffer Pavilion came alive with applause and appreciation as over 100 people gathered to honour the dedication, talent, and heart of High Life Highland staff and volunteers at the 2024 i-Care Awards.
Hosted by STV’s Nicola McAlley, the evening was filled with heartfelt moments and joyous celebrations, with live music from High Life Highland’s own music tuition service setting a lively tone.
The awards celebrated an impressive array of inspiring individuals, from employees who go above and beyond to volunteers and young leaders who dedicate countless hours to supporting their communities.
Strathpeffer Pavilion
Strathpeffer Pavilion
Strathpeffer Pavilion
Strathpeffer Pavilion
Strathpeffer Pavilion
Strathpeffer Pavilion
Michael Golding, Chair of the High Life Highland Board, expressed his pride in this year’s nominees, saying:
“The response to our call for nominations was overwhelming, and narrowing down to the final shortlist was no easy feat—each nominee plays a vital role in enhancing life across the Highlands, and we’re incredibly grateful for their dedication.”
Among the award highlights, Ian Munro from Inverness Leisure took home the Outstanding Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by Aqua Leisure, for his dedication to mentoring colleagues with positivity and passion, while the High Performing Team of the Year Award went to the Mobile Library Team, recognised for their unwavering professionalism.
Rheannan Rigby from Invergordon, named Star Volunteer of the Year and sponsored by Askews & Holts Library Services, was praised as a role model for her commitment to sports volunteering, although she was unable to attend the event.
Inspiring youth was also spotlighted with the Inspiring Young Leader Award, sponsored by Stagecoach, presented to Archie Webster of Inverness for his hundreds of volunteer hours.
Community favourites were celebrated too, with Dingwall Leisure Centre’s Jenny Rankine receiving the People’s Choice Award for her motivational impact on local fitness enthusiasts.
Awards for partnership and collaboration were also given, including the Highland Council Collaboration Award for the Council’s Payroll Team, whose efficient solutions ensure timely staff payments, and the High Life Highland Trading Company Chair Award, honouring the Development Team’s pivotal role in supporting the charity’s post-COVID recovery.
Adding to the excitement, long-service awards recognised the enduring contributions of High Life Highland staff, with ten members celebrated for 20 years, ten for 25 years, and one remarkable milestone for Jackie Mackenzie, marking 40 years with the organisation.
High Life Highland Chief Executive Steve Walsh commended the night’s winners and nominees, saying:
“Every nominee here is helping make life better every day for people and visitors across the Highlands.”
With so many dedicated individuals shaping and enhancing Highland life, this year’s i-Care Awards offered a well-deserved celebration of their inspiring contributions.
