Nominations are open to find Argyll & Bute’s volunteer heroes for 2026

Lauren Martin, Business Manager at Argyll & Bute TSI, said:
“Every year we hear the most incredible stories about people quietly making a difference in their communities. VOY is all about recognising those individuals and giving them the appreciation they truly deserve.”

This year’s awards will take place in Dunoon at the Queen’s Hall, bringing the event back to Cowal and offering a fantastic opportunity to celebrate local volunteers alongside those from across Argyll & Bute.

The awards are supported by local sponsors including Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Argyll Community Housing Association and Argyll & Bute Health & Social Care Partnership, whose backing helps make the event possible.

VOY 2026 will also highlight sustainability across communities, showcasing the many ways volunteers are supporting environmental action, reuse, community growing and local initiatives that benefit both people and place.

Categories include Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer, Lifetime Achievement, Health & Wellbeing, Community Learning, Gaelic, Sustainability and Creative Legacy, alongside regional awards recognising local heroes across Argyll & Bute.

To help ensure the event is accessible to volunteers from across the region, nominees and finalists can claim up to £50 towards travel costs to attend the awards.

Finalists will be announced publicly in May, giving all nominees the recognition they deserve ahead of the ceremony.

Lauren added:
“If someone has made a difference in your life or your community, this is your chance to say thank you. We know there are so many incredible volunteers out there — we just need people to tell us about them.”

To nominate, visit voyargyllbute.co.uk, or use the paper form in this weeks Oban Times, Campbeltown Courier and Argyllshire Advertiser