Announcement: Volunteer of the Year Finalists
9 January 2026

We are excited to announce the finalists in the next category of the Recognition Awards: Volunteer of the Year. 

Chris Heaney is nominated for his outstanding commitment to developing the surf-kayaking community, particularly through his leadership with the Paddle Scotland Surf Development Group and his work with the Lost Shore Surf Resort. He coordinates sessions, delivers webinars, and has worked tirelessly to integrate paddlesport with the new surf landmark.


Colin Matheson is nominated for his many years of dedication to running the Caithness Kayak Club as a volunteer and coach. He is instrumental in keeping the club running, organises pool/loch sessions, and has developed generations of local paddlers, going above and beyond to support members.


In the words of Cara McNamara's nominator, she is a "a serial volunteer to the extent that it's amazing that she finds time to paddle at all, never mind a lot!". Alongside Ben Squires, Cara has been running the Garry Boater-X event for the last 2 years, is a founding member and organiser of White Water Women, and volunteers/coaches at SWPS and with Monklands Canoe Club.


Finalists and winners will be celebrated on Friday 30 January - tickets are now available to join us for the Recognition Awards celebration for £10/£30.

Awards Celebration


We will celebrate finalists and winners together on Friday 30 January 2026 with an in-person dinner, prize giving and ceilidh at Stirling Court Hotel.


Tickets for the Awards Celebration can be purchased in advance through JustGo. Tickets are available with or without the dinner. This is 
not a traditional black tie awards ceremony - dress in whatever you're comfortable in!


We look forward to celebrating the inspiring people of paddlesport together!

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