A FORMER soldier from Renfrewshire is battling it out with other finalists in a bid to win the Volunteer of the Year prize at this year’s Scottish Veterans Awards.
Houston pensioner David Carruthers has been shortlisted for the prestigious award in recognition of his dedication to supporting veterans with sight loss.
David, 66, has been a volunteer driver at Scottish War Blinded’s Hawkhead Centre, in Paisley, since 2017, giving up two days each week to transport fellow veterans to and from the activity hub.
And his commitment to the centre goes above and beyond that role, as he also supports veterans with activities such as woodwork and art.
David, who served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders from 1972 to 1978, also accompanied groups of Scottish War Blinded veterans to the Cenotaph March Past in London last Remembrance Sunday.
Commenting on the announcement that he has been named as a finalist for the Volunteer of the Year award, David said: “It’s really overwhelming to be nominated and be shortlisted. It’s really great.
“My brother is supported by Scottish War Blinded, so I was well aware of the charity before the Hawkhead Centre was built and had asked if I could get involved.
“Once the Hawkhead Centre opened, I started volunteering.
“I really enjoy the comradeship there – everybody gets on with everybody. I enjoy helping other folk and giving something back. It means a lot that it’s a veterans’ charity too, to give back to that community.
“As long as I’m fit, I’ll keep doing it.”
Gillian McDonald, manager at the Hawkhead Centre, said David has also helped grow Scottish War Blinded’s connections with organisations such as the Royal British Legion.
And his one-on-one support for veterans makes a difference to those who attend the centre – many of whom live on their own and would struggle to attend the activity hub without the door-to-door transport provided.
Gillian added: “David does all he can to make the veterans’ days at the Hawkhead Centre a great experience. The veterans love the conversation they have with him when he drives them to and from the centre and love his sense of humour.
“In the workshop, he supports the veterans to make anything from birdhouses to benches. It makes a huge difference to them and their confidence. With him being a veteran too, they have that bond.”
Rebecca Barr, director of Scottish War Blinded, said: “We are extremely thankful to David, and to all our volunteers, for the time, effort and kindness they give.”
The winners of the Scottish Veterans Awards will be announced in April.
Scottish War Blinded provides free support to former servicemen and women of all ages, no matter if they lost their sight during or after service.
Visit www.scottishwarblinded.org or call 0800 035 6409 to refer a veteran to the charity.
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