THE founder of a Clydebank charity admits it is ‘terrific’ his group has been nominated at the Scottish Charity Awards for the very first time.

Jim McLaren was speaking after his Golden Friendships group was named as one of the finalists at the annual gongs run by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) which celebrate Scotland’s voluntary sector.

The Dalmuir group is up for the Community Action award alongside fellow nominees Fresh Start Scotland and Maryhill Integration Network and Jim insists he couldn’t be happier with the nod to all their hard work.

He told the Post: “I’m very excited and very proud that the judges have recognised the hard work taken by everybody involved with Golden Friendships.

“It’s terrific.”

The Golden Friendship Club was set up in January 2017 by Jim and has gone from strength to strength, moving into a hall in Nairn Place where they serve the community, young and old, with events and activities.

And Jim revealed he and his staff will be heading to the award ceremony in Edinburgh’s Sheraton Hotel on June 23 and explained every worker, every volunteer, deserves a good night.

“We are a team here,” Jim continued.

“This one is actually for the work of the Golden Friendships charity.

“It’s the first time we have ever been put up as a charity rather than an individual and that is something that really excites me.”

Before adding: “There are 49 members of staff and five volunteers, and everyone is as important as the other.”

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “The Scottish Charity Awards are a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the exceptional individuals and groups within our vibrant sector.

“This year’s record-breaking number of nominations underlines the strength of Scotland’s voluntary sector and the crucial work that we see from charities and voluntary organisations across the country.

Clydebank Post: Jim McLaren (left) is chuffed the whole team have been recognisedJim McLaren (left) is chuffed the whole team have been recognised (Image: Newsquest archive)

“The hard work and dedication of people and organisations like these 32 finalists are making Scotland a better place to live and work.

“There is still a chance to have your own voice heard by voting in the People’s Choice Award. Don’t be late – participate!”

While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote - before 5pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023