THE stars were shining in Barrhead at the weekend as a prestigious awards ceremony took place.
The first ever All About Barrhead Awards were held at the Dalmeny Park House Hotel, putting local people, organisations and businesses in the spotlight.
Organised by Barrhead’s Business Improvement District (BID) and sponsored by the Barrhead News, the awards saw members of the public submit nominations before an independent panel chose the winners and runners-up.
Hosting the event was Still Game star Maureen Carr and there was also live music from Stevie McCrorie, who won BBC TV talent contest The Voice in 2015.
However, the real stars of the show were the winners of the seven award categories.
The headline award was the Barrhead Star, which was created to highlight the amazing work being done to make Barrhead a great place to live.
This went to Paul McIlvenny, co-founder of the Include Me 2 Club, which provides young people and adults who have additional support needs with a safe space to enjoy music, sport and learn new skills.
It was an added bonus for Paul, as the Include Me 2 Club was earlier presented with the Impact in the Community Award.
Laura Campbell, of the Barrhead News, invited Paul on stage to collect his prize.
Afterwards, Paul said: “I’m so chuffed. I never expected to win. With the club already winning an award, I was made up. To top it off with this is really very special.”
Winner of the Employee of the Year Award was Archie McIntyre, from The Brig Inn, who has helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity over the years.
Auchenback Active was named Barrhead Innovator of the Year, while the Young Person of the Year was Lauren Cosgrove, who has short gut syndrome and founded her own charity, Lauren’s Lifelines, to help other youngsters suffering from similar conditions.
Family Business of the Year went to Barrhead cafe Catherine Rose.
And the Customer Excellence prize, chosen by public vote, was awarded to Bluestone gift shop and cafe.
There was also a special All About Barrhead Award, which went to Barrhead Boxing Club.
Runner-up prizes went to Janette Hughes, of Auchenback Active, Helping Hand G78, Kirsty Lafferty, of Country Feeds, Pioneer Mutual Credit Union, Marissa Roxburgh, D Moodie & Co and F&M Hairdressing.
It was also a great night for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, which will receive a cheque for almost £1,000, courtesy of a prize raffle supported by a number of local businesses.
Andy Dunlop, BID manager, said the awards event was “a huge success.”
He added: “We really wish we could give everyone an award, as we’ve seen some amazing nominations. There is no doubt the event will be back, so we can’t wait to do it all again.”
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