Dingwall community stalwart presented with British Empire Medal

A hard-working community volunteer has received the British Empire Medal from the monarch’s representative.

Kathleen Sim was awarded the honour earlier this year, in the late Queen’s Birthday Honours, and Lord Lieutenant Joanie Whiteford was delighted to present it to her in person.

Mrs Sim ran the Bits and Pieces charity shop together with fellow volunteers in Dingwall, supporting Crossroads up until 2015 and Highland Hospice until the present.

Mrs Whiteford said: “Bits and Pieces faced many challenges over the years, including moving premises several times to meet with demand, meaning rents had to be negotiated, leases dealt with, stock moved, all in all this was a full time job, which Kathleen and her volunteers all took in their strides.

“As well as running Bits and Pieces, together with her fellow volunteers they organised the Christmas Fayre, quiz nights and afternoon teas; Dingwall is so lucky to have such selfless hard working volunteers in the town.

“Raising much needed funds for Highland Hospice, aside, the shop and all the other fundraising activities helped reduce social isolation and loneliness within the community, and shoppers were welcomed into the safe spaces, thus creating opportunities for socialising.

"Kathleen is a remarkable lady, through her selfless volunteering she has used her energy and vision to improve the lives of those within her community and at the same time raise much needed funds for our vital Highland Hospice.”

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