Cathedral to host King’s Award ceremony

The majestic St Magnus Cathedral will be closed to the public from 3pm-4.30pm on Saturday 22 March for a very royal occasion! 

The building will be hosting the King’s Award ceremony at which the Kirkwall City Pipe Band will be presented with a 2024 King’s Award for Voluntary Service. 

They are among 281 organisations throughout the UK to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of their outstanding community service, representing the largest number of recipients in the award’s 22-year history. 

Previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, this award was established in 2002 to mark Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. It is the equivalent of an MBE and represents the highest distinction for voluntary organisations in the UK.  

Awarded each year to honour volunteer-led groups working across a wide range of fields including mental health, youth, environment, community, arts and heritage, the award showcases the continued range and significance of voluntary service carried out every day across the nation.  

Lord-Lieutenant of Orkney, Elaine Grieve, who will present the award, said: “In times of celebration, remembrance, or simply just for the fun of playing and entertaining, the Pipe Band has given, and continues to give, joy to so many. I am incredibly proud of them all.” 

A number of Council employees are part of the KCPB family. 

Orkney Islands Council Convener Graham Bevan said: “This is such a well-deserved award. It is recognition and appreciation of the incredible role the KCPB play as ambassadors for Orkney. But also, their dedication to the wider community and their contribution to the wellbeing and mental health of our community that these talented musicians bring to Orkney. 

 “Volunteers, many of whom are Council employees, serve at the heart of our communities, dedicating their time to enhance the lives of those around them. Volunteers play a key role during times of change, and we cannot underestimate their worth within all walks of life.” 

Read more about the award: https://www.orkney.gov.uk/latest-news/kcpb-awarded-a-2024-kings-award-for-voluntary-service/