The Peeblean: Malcolm Bruce presented with Tweeddale Citizen of the Year Award
Tributes paid to all those who contribute to volunteering capacity in Tweeddale. Former bank building opens today at 10am as community-owned Reuse Hub.
Peeblean Malcolm Bruce was presented with the Tweeddale Citizen of the Year Award last night at an event at the Eastgate Theatre. Family, friends and volunteering colleagues were present along with councillors and local MSP, Calum Kerr. The award was presented by SBC Convener Cllr Watson McAteer and Lord Lieutenant of Tweeddale, Catherine Maxwell Stuart.
Catherine Maxwell Stuart said Malcolm was the outstanding choice for the award in an area which benefitted from significant levels of volunteering: “I think we’re incredibly lucky in Tweeddale to have so many committed volunteers in so many different community organisations that really do make an incredible impact on this area”.
She went on to outline the contribution he had made to local projects:
“A retired customs and excise officer with HMRC, Malcolm has devoted his retirement not to rest but to service. He’s a dedicated member of Peebles Community Council, a director of Peebles Community Trust and a founding force behind the Peebles and District Men’s Shed. In addition, he volunteers at the Eastgate Theatre, contributes to Peebles Railway Heritage Group and serves on the committee of Peebles Christmas Lights Association.”
“Through his work with Peebles Community Trust, Malcolm has played a key role in securing ownership of important local assets, including the Railway Heritage Building at East Station Car Park and the former Bank of Scotland premises on the High Street.”
“At Peebles & District Men’s Shed, Malcolm has helped create what he describes as a warm, safe place where people can come together to chat, craft, create, or simply enjoy a cup of tea and a Jaffa cake. Under his influence, the Men’s Shed has flourished, supporting those who may feel isolated and working closely with local organizations to deliver practical projects that benefit the wider community.”
“Malcolm’s commitment extends across many aspects of town life. He is actively involved in community events. gives his time tirelessly to the Christmas Lights Association, helping to bring a bit of festive light and cheer to the town every year. On the Community Council, he provides regular updates and plays an important role in liaising with Police Scotland.”
“Born and brought up in Peebles, Malcolm returned here with his wife Christine upon his retirement and quickly immersed himself in community life here with energy, enthusiasm and a genuine care for others. He embodies the very best of community spirit and through his time, effort and leadership he’s made a lasting and meaningful difference to people. Thank you very much, Malcolm”
In his acceptance speech Malcolm paid tribute to his fellow volunteers and the value of collaboration:
I want to be absolutely clear that this is what this award is for tonight. It’s about all of the voluntary organisations in Peebles, most of whom I’ve got some kind of involvement with, but also those that I don’t.”
“Collaboration… is what the Men’s Shed in particular is all about, it’s all about immersing yourself in the community and doing something that just helps us move along smoothly.”
Malcolm also paid tribute to Jess McKenzie, the recent winner of the Peebles Guildry Corporation Medal for outstanding contribution to the community by a young person:
“I can tell you that is so well earned because Jess does an awful lot of work for the community and I’m really delighted that you’re here tonight.”
As mentioned above, one of the projects which Malcolm and the PCT Directors have been working on this year is the acquisition for the community of the former Bank of Scotland premises at 70 High Street which opens today as the new location for Peebles Reuse Hub.
Nominations for Tweeddale Citizen of the Year are invited annually. The Award is made by Scottish Borders Council “to the citizen (or group) in the Tweeddale area who has done the most for the honour and welfare of the area or any part of it during the past year.”
The nomination period is November - January. Nominations are assessed by an independent committee.
Past winners are:
Ross McGinn, 2024
Susan Walker and the volunteers at Tweed Togs, 2023
Murray Whyte, 2022
John Falla, 2021
Denise Hanks, 2020