Friends of Oban Community Playpark was recognised for bringing the whole community together to build an accessible playground

An amazing example community action made real is how judges described an Oban group which won the Celebrating Communities category at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards.

Friends of Oban Community Playpark was praised for raising over 40% of funds needed to build its innovative and inclusive outdoor active playpark in the town from the local community.

Judges were impressed by the way the project had engaged local people to create the much needed facility, which is the only playpark in the town.

Liz Cottier from the group said it would not have been possible without the support of the whole of Oban and surrounding villages.

This is a fantastic community that really pulled out all the stops to support the fundraising - Liz Cottier

“This is a fantastic community that really pulled out all the stops to support the fundraising in so many inspiring ways," she said.

"We must also mention the unfaltering dedication of our chair Lyndsay Elliott, the rest of the committee members and all the support we have received from Argyll and Bute Council, Atlantis Leisure, Wicksteed Ltd, Sport Scotland and the many other charities that provided us with funding.”

Shulah Allan, Convener of Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), which organises the awards, added: “I’m in awe of all the finalists and winners. Thanks to their efforts, more people in Scotland are receiving the support they need when they need it and we’re all more aware of important issues, and causes, which affect vulnerable people, and us all.”