A closure-threatened project which supports lone parents and other vulnerable families to improve their parenting and build and strengthen communities was named community project of the year, at the Herald Society Awards last night.

The Gateway Initiative run by Fife Gingerbread was set up with the backing of the Big Lottery, but its future is in doubt due to council cuts and difficulties securing ongoing funding.

More than 300 guests gathered to celebrate the 11th annual Herald Society Awards, which were hosted by STV weather presenter, Sean Batty, at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel. The event showcased the best work and projects taking place within the public, third and voluntary sectors.

Now in their eleventh year, the awards were supported by CELCIS, evh, Glasgow’s Third Sector Interface, MacRoberts LLP and Social Work Scotland.

With a record number of submissions received the judges, as ever, had some difficult decisions to make this year.

In the Improving Children’s Lives category, a new award for 2018, the winner was also from Fife. The Newburgh-based STAR Project helps reunite siblings who have been separated by the care system, helping them meet up, and stay in touch in a peaceful rural setting.

Jackie Irvine, President of Social Work Scotland said, “Social Work Scotland had an inspiring evening at the Herald Society Awards. We would like to congratulate the winners and we recognise the contribution made by all the nominees in the past year. The awards showcased the difference individuals and organisations are able to make, not just in their own communities but across Scotland.”

Claire Burns, Director of Programmes and Services at CELCIS, comments: “It has been great to be able to provide the opportunity through the Improving Children’s Lives Award to give recognition to projects or services that have put the needs of children, young people and families at their centre. We’d like to say well done to the team at STAR for the important work they do to support contact between brothers and sisters in the care system. It has been a tremendous evening, and a huge congratulations to all the other winners and shortlisted entries.”

Helen Macneil, CEO of GCVS said “The Glasgow Third Sector Interface partners were delighted to present the Community Project of the Year award to Fife Gingerbread – Gateway Initiative. This was a very hard-fought category this year with some outstanding projects. So, to have won it is a tremendous accolade for them.”

Eamonn Connolly, Director at evh limited said “Once again a great bunch of finalists; and a very worthy winner too. It’s great to see real people doing really important things get the recognition they so richly deserve. “

Robin Fallas, Partner at MacRoberts LLP said “It was a fantastic night celebrating those who make a difference to our society. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners.”

Full coverage from the event can be found online at https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/societyawards/