This year's celebrations take place at a time when the contributions of volunteers have never been more needed

Scotland’s annual celebration of volunteers is going ahead despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Volunteers’ Week kicks off today (Monday 1 June), at a time when the contributions of volunteers are needed more than ever across the country.

This year, the main focus of the week is on creative ways to say thank you, to show our gratitude and to recognise each and every volunteer in Scotland.

Throughout the first week of June, Volunteer Scotland is asking organisations to say thanks in any creative way they want.

Volunteer Scotland chief executive George Thomson said: “Volunteers’ Week is a time to thank volunteers around the country, whether in local community groups or part of a national organisation.

“Whilst the Volunteers’ Week date (1 to 7 June) is the same, the world isn’t. So we have risen to the challenge and asked everyone to be creative in showing appreciation for Scotland's volunteers. I for one will be penning a poem of thanks to them all!”

To get involved, use #VolunteersWeekScot on social media. You can find out more and access materials on the Volunteers’ Week web portal.