Renfrewshire’s community champions have been recognised at this year’s Provost’s Community Awards, with local volunteers, groups and organisations honoured for the difference they make across the area.
The awards ceremony was held at the Glynhill Hotel in Renfrew, where Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron joined guests to celebrate people who go above and beyond for their communities.
Winners were chosen from nominations submitted by members of the public, shining a light on the dedication, care and hard work being carried out in towns and neighbourhoods across Renfrewshire.
Among those recognised were Paisley & District Royal British Legion Pipe Band, who picked up the Arts and Culture award after continuing to grow since being re-founded in 2018. The band, based at Paisley Comrades Club, has won titles at local and national level while also offering free tuition and instruments to young people and performing at community events without charge.
Roar Connections for Life collected the Community Group award for its work with more than 1,150 older adults across Renfrewshire. The organisation helps older people stay socially connected and active through activities including strength and balance classes, walking football and digital skills support. The group was nominated by one of its volunteer befrienders, who said the service brings friendship, dignity and purpose both to volunteers and the people they support.
Photo: Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron at the Provost’s Community Awards ceremony
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Winners of the 2026 Provost’s Community Awards pictured with Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron and award sponsors at the Glynhill Hotel, Renfrew
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
The Employee of the Year title went to Robert McEwan, Operations Manager at Pro-Life Fitness in Paisley. Alongside running the gym, Robert was recognised for supporting up-and-coming athletes and helping local charities including Accord Hospice, St Vincent’s Hospice and Renfrewshire Foodbank.
Ian Glover was named Community Volunteer of the Year for his long-standing work with the Renfrewshire Sound Talking Newspaper. Ian and his friends started the service in Johnstone in 1981, and it is still going 45 years later, providing weekly USB copies of local headlines and stories for visually impaired residents across Renfrewshire. He continues to coordinate volunteers, record content and secure funding to keep the free service running.
The Sport Award went to Milldale Day Opportunities Boccia Team after helping launch Renfrewshire’s first inclusive Boccia League in 2025 in partnership with OneRen and Scottish Disability Sport. The project created a new competitive sporting opportunity for adults with recognised physical and learning disabilities, with players praising the league for being open and inclusive.
The Provost’s Award for Outstanding Achievement was presented to St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation. The charity was praised for the wide range of work it carries out in the local community, from mental health support to breakfast clubs and holiday camps, while using football, fitness and sport to encourage participation and break down stigma around asking for help.
Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “The Community Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate those who continue to go above and beyond without looking for reward or recognition.
“Each winner was nominated by their own communities and it’s an honour to reward them for their dedication and commitment.
“As the Provost, I meet hundreds of inspiring people and groups every year and it never ceases to amaze me that there is so much fantastic work going on throughout Renfrewshire.
“Congratulations to all our winners, your hard work does not go unnoticed.”
The Provost’s Community Awards were first established in 1997 by former Provost Nancy Allison and have since continued under each subsequent Provost, recognising more than 100 community members over the years.
Click on each award to expand the section and reveal a video:
Photo: Ian Glover (Community Volunteer of the Year) pictured with Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron after receiving his award
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Robert McEwan (Employee of the Year) pictured with Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron after being recognised for his contribution to the community
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Paisley & District Royal British Legion Pipe Band (Arts and Culture award winners) pictured with Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine CameronRenfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron at the Provost’s Community Awards ceremony
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Roar Connections for Life (Community Group award winners) pictured with Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron at the Provost’s AwardsRenfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron at the Provost’s Community Awards ceremony
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation (Provost’s Award for Outstanding Achievement winners) pictured with Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Milldale Day Opportunities Boccia Team (Sport award winners) pictured with Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council