For immediate issue: Tuesday 27 September

Nominations open for Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2012

Nominations are now open for one of the world’s most prestigious humanitarian awards, named after Scotland’s national Bard, Robert Burns.

The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award – launched in 2002 and supported by South Ayrshire Council, EventScotland and VisitScotland – recognises a  group or individual who has saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or ‘hands on’ charitable work.

Winners receive the equivalent of 1759 guineas – a sum which signifies the year of the Bard’s birth and the coinage then in circulation – as well as a specially commissioned award handcrafted in Scotland.

The winner of the 2011 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award was Linda Norgrove, the Scottish aid worker who died during a US military-led rescue mission to free her from Afghanistani captors. Previous recipients include Habib Malik, Scotland Manager of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and a member Islamic Relief (2010); and Guy Willoughby, Founder and CEO of the HALO Trust which specialises in the removal of war debris (2009).

David Anderson, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council and Chair of the 2012 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award judging panel, said: “Burns’ famous words, ‘Man to Man the world o’er, Shall brothers be for a’ that’, are the inspiration behind the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award and we’re looking for nominations for people that exemplify the qualities of tolerance, friendship and humanity.

“This award recognises those people who go above and beyond the call of duty to help others and have an affinity with their fellow human beings, just like Burns himself and all our winners such as Linda, Habib and Guy are terrific examples of what a humanitarian is – a person who works to make other people’s lives better.

“Nominees can be from any part of the world and be of any age or gender, so let us know about the people who work to improve life for others and – who knows – they could become the winner of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2012.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland, added: “The Burns Humanitarian Award is a wonderful celebration of individuals who do a tremendous amount of work in the community and often go unrecognised. EventScotland are delighted to be part of this celebration of their achievements.”

Nominations for the 2012 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award can be made online at www.robertburnsaward.com and nominations close on Friday 4 November.

The winner will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway in January, which will coincide with the 253^rd anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.

ends

Notes to editors:

The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award

The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award was first awarded in 2002 andis supported by EventScotland, South Ayrshire Council and VisitScotland. It recognises those who saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or ‘hands on’ charitable work. The winner will receive the equivalent of 1759 guineas, a sum which signifies the year of the bard’s birth and the coinage then in circulation, as well as a specially-commissioned handcrafted award. The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award Ceremony 2012 will take place in January 2012 at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway (www.burnsmuseum.org.uk). Further information, including details of Linda Norgrove, the 2010 recipient, as well as previous winners can be found at www.robertburnsaward.com.

The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award takes place in 2012 the Year of Creative Scotland, a chance to spotlight, celebrate and promote Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage. The award also forms part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme which begins with celebrations for St Andrew’s Day and includes Scotland’s Hogmanay celebrations on 31 December and Burns Night on 25 January – the culmination of the Winter Festivals.

EventScotland

EventScotland, the national events agency, works to promote Scotland as the perfect stage for events and as ‘The Home of Golf’. By developing an exciting sporting and cultural portfolio it helps to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy through events tourism. Find out more at: www.EventScotland.org.

South Ayrshire Council

South Ayrshire Council is an ambitious, forward-looking and responsive organisation and considers itself the most improved Council in Scotland. The Council serves a population of more than 112,000 people located across a diverse area that includes the towns of Ayr, Girvan, Maybole, Prestwick and Troon as well as small rural villages, coastline and farmland. The Council’s services are as diverse as its area – from beaches to building cleaning, care homes to civil ceremonies, day care to debt advice or social work to swimming pools. www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk .

FROM:            Denise Robertson, Communications Manager

E-mail: denise.robertson@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Tel: 01292 612211 / 07581 007258

Ambitious, forward-looking and responsive

Tags: award, burns, humanitarian, Rabbie, Robert

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