A bighearted Barrhead resident is celebrating after landing a prestigious community accolade.
Oonagh McKinnon has been handed the title of East Renfrewshire's Citizen of the Year for 2021.
The dedicated volunteer was recognised for her hard work with young people who have additional support needs, by East Renfrewshire Council.
Oonagh was instrumental in the creation of the area's Additional Support Needs Parent Action Group - which supports young autistic people, those with additional needs and their families.
As Chair of the organisation, she helps young people aged 25 and under, their siblings and families to integrate and feel more confident becoming part of the community.
Her volunteering efforts with the group, which stages sessions and activities for juniors and teens, as well as holding parent support meetings and offering training opportunities, have continued throughout the pandemic in a bid to provide essential support.
Busy Oonagh is also chair of Linking Communities, a volunteer-led group which strives to make East Renfrewshire's most deprived areas better places to live, work and visit.
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Her role sees her work to ensure communities in Barrhead, Neilston, Thornliebank and Auchenback have their say in the distribution of Participatory Budgeting Funds handed out by the council so they are targeted towards tackling issues close to the heart of residents.
Now Oonagh's contribution has been singled out for praise as a recipient of The Provost's Award, which presents an annual opportunity to thank a valued volunteer for their work in making a difference to their community and the lives of many others in East Renfrewshire.
She was handed her award by Provost Jim Fletcher, who paid tribute to Oonagh, saying: "It is an absolute delight to crown Oonagh as Citizen of the Year 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be an incredibly challenging time for everyone so the judging panel and I were looking to recognise a volunteer who has continued to go the extra mile to support their local area.
"Oonagh’s work in Barrhead and across the authority as a whole is absolutely essential and it is down to her efforts that many vulnerable people have fair and equal opportunities to meet, play and build relationships with their peers."
He added: "We received some fantastic nominations for Citizen of the Year 2021, so it was a tough deliberation – thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination, it is clear we have so many volunteers in East Renfrewshire who work hard to help others and really are invaluable.
"The judging panel were all in agreement that Oonagh should be awarded the Provost’s Award this year for the difference that she has made to the lives of many others across East Renfrewshire over the past 10 years. Congratulations Oonagh!"
Delighted Oonagh, who was born and bred in Barrhead, said: "It has been a privilege to work with our volunteers and families in building up our ERA community. The young people and families are very supportive of each other, and it has been wonderful to be a part of that.
"Linking Communities has been enlightening in allowing me to engage with many of the wonderful volunteers who give so much to our local communities. I am extremely pleased to accept this award from Provost Fletcher and hope to continue to work in the community for a long time ahead."
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