Donald Stewart award

A Lewis teenager has won the Donald Stewart Memorial Trust award.

Judges unanimously decided this year’s award be presented to Amy McClements of Parkend for her highly commended “acts of wonderful self-sacrifice.

Island teenager presented with award for outstanding achievement

27 December 2016

The Donald Stewart Memorial Trust makes an annual “outstanding achievement” award to a senior Western Isles pupil in memory of the outstanding work of the late Donald Stewart MP,

Commitment to her studies and juggling her time to support causes in school and within the community impressed the trustees.

They said the student, who is now at Glasgow University after completing 6th year in the Nicolson Institute this summer, has an “extraordinary” work ethic, holding down three part-time jobs whilst also involved in voluntary work.

Amy’s gained 4 A passes and one C pass at Higher level in S5, being selected as the school’s vice captain and was president of Interact.

She has also helped raised funds on behalf of Motor Neurone Disease and made efforts to establish a local branch of MND Scotland.

Trustees said she is an “excellent ambassador” for the Gaelic language, culture and music.

Chairman of the trustees, Murdo Macleod said: “The Trustees were highly impressed with the overall quality of this year’s submissions but were unanimous in their decision to make the award to Amy.

“What particularly impressed us was her commitment to raising funds for causes close to her heart, especially MND, helping improve the lives of others.”

He added: “I also congratulate Amy Mackay on her runner-up award.

“It is evident that we have a wealth of talented young people in the Western Isles.”

Runner-up award goes to Amy Mackay (pictured left), a former pupil of Sir E Scott School, Harris, for her achievements in both Gaelic and music and particularly her commitment to the school choir over many years which has been very successful at local and national Mòds.

Amy McClements