Drummond School in Inverness to benefit from thousands raised at Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards
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A school for some of the most vulnerable pupils in the Highlands is set to benefit from the cash raised a truly special awards evening in Inverness.
More than £9000 will be donated to the Drummond school from Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards (AYHA) which took place on Friday at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.
Kelly Macrae set-up the awards in honour of her daughter Amelia Jo Kelly to recognise inspirational young people in the Highlands.
This year 13 remarkable young people got awards – you can find out who won which award here.
The young people were recognised for a variety of different things from caring for family, being a special sibling, fundraising for the local community, and showing courage in the face of adversity.
The difficult task of judging the awards was done by Graham Laughton from Macleod & MacCallum, Donald John and Jennifer Morrison from Caley Timber and Building Supplies and the Drummond Pupil of the Year was chosen by the teachers.
More than £9000 raised
The event is sponsored by Caley Timber and Building Supplies and raises money for Drummond School, which Amelia attends. This year, the event raised £9,010 and the money will be presented to the School on Amelia’s ninth birthday later this month.
Compères for the night were radio DJs Dan Gilchrist and Grace Nicoll, former MFR Breakfast Show presenters and now with Edge Radio and Heart Scotland respectively, in their first live event together since 2022.
Speaking about the event Grace said: “What a night! A rollercoaster of emotions with some tears as we heard the inspiring stories of our Young Highlanders and joy as everybody took to the dancefloor with the Electric Cherries. It was an honour to be part of Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards.”
A privilege to be involved
Donald John Morrison said: “Every year I am humbled by the young people in our community who battle to overcome challenges, often at a very young age.
“It is my privilege to be involved in Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards. Kelly does an amazing job to put on an event that recognises these young people and raises money for Drummond School, a fantastic facility with a passionate team supporting young people with additional needs.”
Amazing generosity
Amelia’s mother Kelly added her voice of thanks to people who dug deep despite the cost of living crisis, saying: “The generosity of people in the Highlands never ceases to amaze me.
“Times are tough for families and local businesses this year and, despite that, people have come forward to sponsor awards, donate prizes, buy raffle tickets and give up their time to make Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards the amazing event it is.
“I’d like to thank all the sponsors who have supported us from the beginning as well as new ones like Cru Hospitality, Orion Group and Miele’s Gelateria who I hope feel part of the team now.
“Thank you to every single person who has supported us and Drummond School, an institution close to my heart that supports Amelia on her journey.”
Other sponsors of Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards include Inverness Trophy Centre; Aurora Design Studio; RedBeard Productions; and Whale-like-fish.
