Local people in Castlemilk volunteer their time and skills across a huge range of projects, steering the direction of what Cassiltoun delivers, improving greenspace, supporting others to learn and develop skills, making their many events and activities even better and sharing their expertise to scrutinise services.

Clair Malpas, CEO of Cassiltoun Group, said: “It is important to celebrate and recognise the contribution and achievements of volunteers, not just in Castlemilk but across the UK. Volunteers play such a vital role; they are often the glue that holds communities together or enables a charity or project to operate. Even the smallest task that is delivered by a volunteer can make a massive difference to the lives of individuals, the successful outcomes of projects or their community.

“Cassiltoun’s many volunteers give not just their time and skills but also contribute ideas and enthusiasm and use their own initiative to develop projects, serve on our Boards or advisory groups and work towards improving their local area and the lives of people that live in Castlemilk.”

Chairperson George Kelly added: “It has been a pleasure and an honour for me to serve as a volunteer on the Cassiltoun Board for the past sixteen years. The continuous training I receive has not only improved my knowledge and understanding of the housing sector but it has also had a massive impact on my character.

“As a board member this training has been invaluable not only in the decisions I am involved in but for the tremendous outcome those decisions have realised. Cassiltoun was founded by volunteers and their impact is still felt today.

“Today’s volunteers, of which there are many, come to the stables almost every day no matter the weather and either work in the park or at the many events. They give their own time, solicitously, to help their community. As chair of Cassiltoun, I thank all the volunteers past, present and future for the collective contribution they all make to improving their community and realising their ambitions.”

Cassiltoun asked partner organisations for feedback for the volunteers to surprise them with a celebratory video, leaflet, and certificate. The feedback was incredible with so much recognition from across Castlemilk and beyond.