The hunt is on for the best Highland charity

While locals and visitors keep their eyes peeled for a glimpse of the illusive Loch Ness Monster, the search is on for charitable organisation of the year.

The new category at this year’s Highland Heroes awards, which is now in its third year, is in recognition of all those amazing charities, social enterprises or not-for-profit organisations that deliver outstanding service.

There are plenty of worthy groups out there, working tirelessly to offer people and communities the support they need. In fact, there are currently more than 24,000 charities in Scotland, ranging from small local charities to large international organisations.

So we need your help to find the charitable organisation most deserving of this new accolade, which is sponsored by popular tourist attraction Nessieland, in Drumnadrochit.

We have all used a charity at some point, even if we didn’t know it, as Sir John Low, chief executive of Charities Aid Foundation, explained: “Nearly all of us turn to charity at some point in our lives, often without us even realising that we are using one of the thousands of charities operating across Scotland.

“Our charities are part of the fabric of who we are, they underpin our way of life and cut across so many of our cultural, social, religious and educational activities.”

Scots are known for their generosity when it comes to charitable donations and that support is more crucial than ever.

Sir John said: “In Scotland, charities provide invaluable services, but they also serve to bring our communities together in a bid to make the world a better place. In times of economic and political uncertainty, those bonds are more important than ever and are worth fighting to protect.

“People give because they are inspired, because they are touched by a charity’s work and because they know that their donations make a tangible difference.

“It rests with all of us to make the case on behalf of our charities, be they small groups gathering in a village hall to address a local need or a national organisation tackling widespread issues.”

To nominate somebody you feel deserves recognition in this or any other category, fill in the form below. You can also nominate your Highland Heroes online.

The deadline for nominations is midnight on Saturday, August 31.

A judging panel will draw up a shortlist in each category before readers are given the opportunity to vote for their favourites.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Thursday, November 7.

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