Green Hive shortlisted for award for environmental work in Nairn
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A NAIRN-based charity focussed on improving the environment and developing the local community has been shortlisted for recognition at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards.
Neil Mapes, Manager of Green Hive which has a workshop on the Balmakeith Industrial Estate, is encouraging people to go on-line and vote for them this week.
Created back in December 2015 Neil said the not for profit charity has gradually built up both its volunteer numbers and its staff team at its workshop in Balmakeith.
"The long-term vision was always to build capacity in the town, supporting local people to turn their ideas into reality. Our founding
members were all committed locals and every single one of our projects since have come from ideas promulgated by local residents. We are proud of our environmental work, we are now at a new watershed moment, ready to take a significant step toward long-term sustainability."
The organisation has already received the Queen’s Award for volunteering in 2020 and its collaborative work on renewable energy and active travel along with a number of local partners contributed to Nairn winning the Climate Town Award for Scotland in 2021 in the Scotland Loves Local Awards.
"The latest award recognition in being selected as a finalist in the SCVO Scottish Charity Awards in 2022 is a further significant recognition of the
brilliant work taking place across a range of environmental projects in Nairn," said Neil.
As well as recycling plastic waste collected from regular clean-ups transforming them into clocks, birdhouse and benches the volunteers make bags and other useful items from fabric and propogate plants for use in the local community.
Green Hive is also in discussion with the Trustees of Nairn Seaman's Hall which they hope to develop as a community hub in the Fishertown of Nairn.
Neil said: “Re-storing and re-purposing this historic and important community building could be the catalyst to a stronger and better community in
Nairn. It has been looked after for the benefit of the community for many years and we hope this will be the next chapter for this valued building.
"The renovation, adaptation and re-awakening of the hall is a huge venture. But we have ambition and enthusiasm and most of all we are delighted to have support from the community.
"It will take time and money but hopefully we will restore a building, preserve its heritage, and create a great asset for the community of Nairn."
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “The Scottish Charity Awards are a unique opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work of charities, community organisations and social enterprises across Scotland. The entries this year are as fabulous as ever and the 44 finalists come in all shapes and sizes. Every one of them is making a huge difference - they make Scotland a better place to live and I'm very much looking forward to meeting them in June. This is your chance to vote for your favourite in the People's Choice Award, so please offer your support.”
Green Hive has been recognised in the Climate Conscious category of the Scottish Charity Awards which is run by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and are encouraging those in Nairn and the Highlands to vote for them.
The award winners will be announced on 15 June at a ceremony hosted by BBC’s Sally Magnusson in Glasgow.
To vote for Green Hive in the People’s Choice award click here.
Votes close at 5pm on Friday 20th May.
