More than six decades may separate them, but Ed Oswald and Hollie McIntosh epitomise the true spirit of Carnoustie.
And they are the toast of the town as citizen and young citizen of the year for 2022.
Between them, Ed and Hollie devote countless hours to helping others and supporting local organisations.
Community council chairman David Rorie said they were worthy recipients of the recognition as the group honoured the pair at a presentation in Links House.
Popular figure
“Ed needs no introduction to the people of the town – he is a weel-kent local worthy,” said David.
80-year-old Ed has been a member of Carnoustie Gala Committee for more than 30 years.
Its annual highlight is the town’s summer gala.
And as a keen gardener he has been a leading light in Colourful Carnoustie since its formation by the community council many years ago.
The group decorates the town with hanging baskets and tubs and is responsible for organising the annual flower show.
“While he was chairman of Colourful Carnoustie the town won a gold medal from Britain in Bloom for our beautiful displays,” added David.
“Every Christmas he helps with the Boys’ Brigade postal delivery service and he is a committee member of Carnoustie Memories.”
Links House recently hosted the presentation of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to the memories group.
And after more than three decades as a community councillor, Ed has recently retired from the group, having previously served as its chairman.
Ed’s late wife, Helen, was a local councillor and Provost of Angus for four years until her untimely death in 2016 following a battle with cancer.
“Ed is a worthy winner and good servant of Carnoustie,” David added.
Range of youth work
And he said he was delighted to present “busy young lady” Hollie with her junior citizen accolade.
“Hollie is a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for South Angus and involved in lots of good work for young people.
“She is school captain at Carnoustie High School and last year’s chair of the Pupil Council.
“One of the many causes she fundraises for is the Hollie Tree Project – a mental health website due to be operational next year where students, teachers and parents can locate services for young people with mental health problems.”
17-year-old Hollie is also involved with Well Being Buddies.
It is a peer mentoring service being piloted at Carnoustie High but could be widened to include all Angus schools.
“She finds time to promote International Women’s Day and the High School Learning Hub helping younger pupils gain confidence on a one-to-one basis,” said David.
“And she still finds the time to have two part-time jobs, one at Angus Performing Arts and the other at Madison’s café on the seafront.”
The winners each receive a trophy and a £100 cheque for their charity of their choice, with a personal £50 gift voucher for the junior winner.
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