Clydebank volunteer Janice Blair has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament for receiving one of Girlguiding’s top awards.
MSP Marie McNair lodged a motion at Holyrood congratulating Janice on her incredible 36 years of volunteering and her Laurel Award win, which is one of the highest honours in Guiding.
Janice, who has been part of Guiding all her life and leads the 6th Clydebank Guides, was surprised with the Laurel Award at a special celebration.
Laurel Award
The award recognises adult members who give outstanding service and share their skills and experience to support girls and volunteers.
Speaking about the recognition, Janice said: “I’m incredibly proud and deeply honoured to have received the Laurel Award – especially knowing I was nominated by other members of Girlguiding and parents of girls that have been members too.
“I’ll treasure the whole day forever, and I’m still riding the high from such a special surprise.
“I want to extend my thanks to everyone involved in nominating me and who attended the presentation, it was so special to be surrounded by my wonderful family, friends, and so many members of the Girlguiding community. It meant the world to me.”
‘Above and beyond’
Ms McNair said: “I was delighted to join Janice and Girlguiding Dunbartonshire for the County Summer Social to celebrate the volunteers and congratulate Janice on being presented the Laurel Award.
“Janice has dedicated 36 years to volunteering with Girlguiding and throughout has shown real dedication and passion. She goes above and beyond to help girls reach their full potential.
“Janice deserves this award, and I was also pleased to formally recognise her with a Parliamentary Motion which acknowledges this outstanding achievement.”
‘A Guiding star’
Girlguiding Scotland’s deputy chief commissioner Sarah MacNeil, who was honoured to hand Janice the Laurel Award, added: “Janice’s contribution to Guiding is valued from her unit work to her work across Scotland, where she has really made a difference to the lives of young and adult members.
“Her contribution is summed up by this quote from a young member – ‘Janice has helped me to achieve some amazing things over the years such as getting my gold award and becoming a young leader’.
“Janice is a true Guiding star!”
View the motion at S6M-18829 | Scottish Parliament Website