​Those who give their time for good causes recognised by Lord Provost's award

Shona Black, a Volunteer with Guide Dogs Scotland, has been awarded this year’s Edinburgh Lord Provost’s Inspiring Volunteer of the Year Award.

She was judged alongside a keen knitter who runs "Knit and Natter" sessions; an equestrian coach helping disabled riders improve their skills and confidence; an IT instructor; a “Heat Hero” providing energy efficiency and fuel billing advice to householders; and a group providing additional help to young stroke survivors.

Now in their eighth year, Edinburgh's Inspiring Volunteering Achievement Awards, reflect the huge range of organisations and individuals who give their time freely to work with city's charity and non-profit sectors.

These Awards are a way to celebrate the wide range of people who volunteer - Kris Von Wald

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: “Shona Black certainly is an inspiring volunteer and worthy of the 2016 Award. Her first hand experiences of visual impairment and using both long cane and a dog have proved invaluable to many people newly registered as partially sighted or blind. Her name will join the volunteering honour board unveiled last year in the City Chambers.”

Kris Von Wald, convener of Volunteer Edinburgh, said: “These awards are a way to celebrate the wide range of people who volunteer and the positive difference volunteering makes across the city every day. We are delighted that the Lord Provost continues to recognise how important volunteers are to Edinburgh through this key initiative.”

Wilson added: “Volunteers help others and also help the city as a whole. Volunteering strengthens our sense of community and we should take every opportunity to recognise those wonderful people who put the needs of others before themselves”.