The leader of a campaign to save a schools residential centre from closure has won an award for enriching the lives of thousands of children.
George Bruce refused to accept Fife Council’s decision four years ago to shut Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre which it ran at an annual loss of £290,000.
He stepped in to reopen the Lochgoilhead centre, where youngsters enjoy activities including climbing and water-based pursuits, and set up a social enterprise to take it over.
Since then almost 10,000 youngsters have visited the activity centre.
Mr Bruce was given the inaugural Hannah Stirling National Park Award by conservation and heritage charity, Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
For the past three-and-a-half years, the 74-year-old has made the daily round trip of more than 60 miles from his home in Dunoon to ensure, as voluntary chief executive, that the centre runs smoothly.
Friends chairman James Fraser said: “George fully merits this recognition after an astonishing amount of work, for no remuneration, to ensure that Ardroy can keep providing outdoor activities which are so crucial to young people’s development.
“It is entirely fitting that this new award has gone to an individual, who, at the age of almost 75, has done so much to enable thousands of youngsters to enjoy the great outdoors in Scotland’s first national park.”
Mr Bruce returned the centre to a sound financial footing, boosting visitor numbers to such an extent that surpluses have been reinvested in upgrading the property.
He said: “To be recognised in this way is extremely humbling and it was a great surprise to receive this honour.
“Keeping Ardroy going is a real team effort and I am extremely grateful to all those who have had a role in helping me ensure the centre has remained open to inspire thousands of youngsters who thoroughly enjoy their time here making new discoveries in the great outdoors.”