GREENOCK Cut Visitor Centre volunteer Katy McMillan is one of first people in Inverclyde to receive the highest level Saltire Award.

It recognises contributions to local organisations made by people under 25.

Katy, 22, has been volunteering at the centre for 19 months following a successful University of the West of Scotland (UWS) placement.

Over 1,500 hours later, Katy successfully nominated by Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park for the Summit Level Saltire Award to recognise her achievement.

David Gatherer, regional park manager, said visitors and staff had benefited from Katy’s ‘fantastic contribution’.

He said: “Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park are delighted to be able to offer a range of volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals, one of which was taken up by Katy. Her commitment and enthusiasm is a truly outstanding achievement.” Most of Katy’s time is spent working with the groups and schools that visit the Centre, sharing her enthusiasm for nature and the outdoors.

She has assisted with ‘branching out’ programmes to help improve the mental health and well-being of participants, shadows the Ranger team on environmental education visits and has also delivered presentations to primary school children in Inverclyde.

Katy said: “I hope to work in the outdoors and put my experience and the achievement of this award to good use.”