King’s Awards for Voluntary Service handed out
Dozens of charities and community volunteer groups across Scotland have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
The KAVS is the highest award given to local volunteering groups in the UK - equivalent to an MBE - and is awarded for life.
The award was first established in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee under the name of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).
Following the accession of His Majesty The King, the award continues to celebrate the best of local volunteering across the UK yearly.
Today on His Majesty’s actual birthday, KAVS celebrates the very best of local volunteering, showcasing how volunteer groups create a positive impact in their communities.
All this year’s successful groups will be presented with a crystal award and a certificate bearing His Majesty’s signature by the Lord-Lieutenant at a locally arranged event. They also receive two invitations to attend a Royal Garden Party the following year.
In Scotland, 25 charities have been awarded a KAVS for this year, including Banff, Macduff & District Men’s Shed.
Other groups from across the country are listed for their achievement on the KAVS website.
Bob Copland, chairman of Banff, Macduff & District Men’s Shed, said: “This award truly is the icing on the cake. To be recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, on top of winning the ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ twice in a row, is just incredible. Our members are the heart and soul of the Shed, and this award recognises their hard work and the positive impact they’ve had on so many lives in our community — but most importantly, it recognises their commitment to putting their own health and wellbeing first by joining the Shed in the first place.
“Our greatest achievement is simply creating a safe, friendly, and welcoming space where members feel comfortable and can talk about their problems if they wish to. With guidance from a retired GP who volunteers at the Shed, members can gain reassurance, share experiences, and access help if they need it. This environment of trust and camaraderie has transformed the lives of many.”
