Angus Ambassador Awards 2008 – The Winners!
During the presentation of the Angus Ambassador Awards, the Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee was recognised as the Angus Ambassador of the Decade for creating a centre of excellence in the county's prized Championship course that is both envied and admired across the world.
This unique award, presented for outstanding contribution to the reputation of the county during the past 10 years, came at the end of the 2008 Angus Ambassador Awards - an evening to celebrate the very best of Angus.
"This reputation for excellence is drawing the global golfing fraternity to Angus - increasing visitor investment and bringing unparalleled attention to the county through the hosting of The Open and the other international championships now played here." said Provost Ruth Leslie Melville as she presented this special award to mark 10 years of the Angus Ambassador Awards.
"The Angus Ahead Champions commend you for the energy and dedication that has given the county a global brand."
Angus Ambassador of the Year 2008
Joining the ranks of those stars of the county recognised at the glittering awards ceremony at the Carnoustie Hotel last night was the 2008 Angus Ambassador of the Year, sponsored by Piperdam Golf and Leisure Resort.
David Valentine, head of the council's economic development division and the only Briton to be made an honorary citizen of Yantai in Shandong Province, was acknowledged for his work in developing Angus trade, tourism and educational links in China
Said the presenter of the evening, STV's news anchor Andrea Brymer: "Angus is now reaping the rewards of David's 24/7 can do attitude, with local businesses – from engineering and textile manufacturers to Glamis Castle - now trading productively with the country.
"David takes every opportunity to promote Angus nationally and internationally. He is a true champion for the county," continued Andrea.
"Tonight's winners have joined the illustrious company of Angus Ambassadors whose achievements over the last ten years are an inspiration to us all," said the Provost. "The most fitting tribute we can give to those who have created this decade of achievement is to pledge to make the next one a decade of ambition and strive for even greater success."
The 2008 winners of the six individual categories were announced as:
Business Ambassador - Entrepreneurial Angus Award
Winner: Denfind Stone Ltd, set up by a Carnoustie farmer to utilise stones dumped in a disused quarry
Highly Commended :
- Soilessentials Ltd, the Brechin agricultural technology company which provides farmers all over the world with the very latest hi-tech services and equipment
- Tayside Contracts, which has developed a new, environmentally-friendly, cost-effective method of resurfacing roads and pavements across Angus.
Watch the film of all the Business finalists
Community Ambassador - Pride of Angus Award
Winner: Montrose Music Festival, a whole community effort that has placed the Angus town firmly on the live music map
Highly Commended :
- Angus Care and Repair, a project which is helping older and disabled people across Angus to remain safe and secure in their own homes by assisting with repairs, improvements and adaptations
- Starter Packs Angus, based in Arbroath but providing support all over Angus, this team of volunteers provides people in need with household essentials to help them settle into their new home.
Watch the film of all the Community finalists
Cultural Ambassador - Creative Angus Award
Winner: Gordon School of Dancing, the Montrose dancing school which is keeping traditional Scottish Dancing alive thanks to the school's troupe of young dancers
Highly Commended :
- Heritage Arts Auchmithie Residents (HAAR), the committee set up by the residents of Auchmithie to celebrate and promote the heritage of the village, while also enhancing village life today
- Michael Visocchi, the world-renowned Kirriemuir sculptor whose latest work, which commemorates the bicentenary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, takes centre stage in the City of London.
Watch the film of all the Cultural finalists
International Ambassador - GoAhead Angus Award
Winner: Andrew Mitchell, the Forfar farmer who is 2008 World Ploughing Champion
Highly Commended :
- Montrose Heritage Trust, which is successfully bringing Montrose to the world's attention, courtesy of Bamse, the legendary Norwegian sea dog who was stationed in Montrose during World War II
- Nutscene Ltd, the Kingsmuir-based company which develops, manufactures and distributes quality garden and household products, which are snapped up by customers all over the world
Watch the film of all the International finalists
Tourism Ambassador - Welcome Angus Award
Winner: Glen Clova Hotel, providing a luxurious yet affordable destination in the heart of the beautiful Angus Glens
Highly Commended :
- Kirriemuir District Agricultural Association, which has been successfully holding the ever-popular Kirrie Show for the past 130 years and has now formed links with Canada
- The TGO Challenge, which, over the last thirty years, has encouraged over 6,000 people to walk from one of 12 starting points on Scotland's west coast to the east coast, where the official finishing line is in Montrose.
Watch the film of all the Tourism finalists
Youth Ambassador- Aspiring Youth Award
Winner: Jonny O'Mara, the Arbroath schoolboy ranked the UK's number one under-12 tennis player.
Highly Commended :
- Olivia Hood, from Ruthven, near Kirriemuir, who has just completed a very successful two years at the Dance School of Scotland, where she won various awards and received the highest mark ever in a Trinity College examination
- David Pullar from Usan, near Montrose, who is preserving and celebrating the heritage and the culture of Angus through highly successful exhibitions and a popular music festival
- Claire Smith from Monifieth who, only two years ago and at the age of 18, set up her own top-quality gift hamper company, distributing luxury local goods all over the UK
Watch the film of all the Youth finalists
The Angus Ambassador Awards are presented annually by the Angus Ahead Campaign, set up to promote the country's strengths and opportunities at home and abroad.
Courtesy Notice
The photos in the video clip for the 2008 Winners of the Ambassador Awards were taken by Ian Beaton of Montrose.
d by Thorntons Solicitors
Sponsored by Forbes of Kingennie
