Cockenzie and Port Seton’s community awards returned for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic to celebrate those making a difference in the village.

The ceremony took place last Tuesday at the Port Seton Centre, bringing together a large number of residents.

Community council chair Bryan Hickman led the awards ceremony, handing out more than 40 certificates to people who had been invaluable to the community since the last awards in 2019.

The certificates were split between those in the young person and adult categories, while those who provided essential support to the community during the pandemic were also recognised.

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In the young person category, bagpiper Charlie Mack took home the prize for his dedication to the community in the last few years.

Mr Hickman said at the awards: “The youth winner is someone who, whenever asked [to help out] – immediately says yes.

“He has supported the primary and secondary school, gala, birthday events, almost every community event in the place. During lockdown he entertained – hopefully! – the neighbours during the lockdown challenge and is now winning awards with his very accomplished bagpipe playing.”

Speaking after winning his award, piper Charlie said: “I’m very grateful. Happy to be here!”

Charlie is a member of Preston Lodge High School Pipe Band and his music has lifted the spirits of many in the local community.

East Lothian Courier: Robert Grundison and Hugh Bisset Robert Grundison and Hugh Bisset

Of his role in the community, he said: “Just entertaining everyone and trying to give everyone a good day, a good time; promoting the pipe band a bit as well and promoting the teachers as well.”

And when asked if it felt special to be recognised by the local community, he said: “It makes me feel great; I’m happy and proud.”

The adult award was given jointly to Hugh Bisset and Robert Grundison.

Mr Hickman said: “The adult winners are two volunteers who quietly set about repairing, sanding and painting all 31 benches throughout our villages, repaired or made new planters and generally took on all the handymen jobs needed by the In Bloom ladies to support their efforts and enhance the villages in a modest and humble manner. Seeking no praise but they have made such a difference to both villages.”

The duo said they were “shocked” to have won the award.

Mr Grundison said: “We weren’t expecting it and we are honoured.”

The pair explained that they were the type that “did anything that needed done” locally, highlighting the work they did with In Bloom to keep the burgh looking beautiful.

A special mention was also given to the volunteers and workers that supported the Cockenzie and Port Seton community through the pandemic.

Mr Hickman said: “There are many people who worked tirelessly for this community. Those were unquantified times never seen in this community – or in fact world history – but as a whole this community rose to every challenge in an extraordinary way.”

He thanked Shona Brash, John Marshall and Pam Fraser, as well as the Port Seton Centre staff and the CPS resilience teams for their dedicated efforts during the difficult time.

The full list of nominees:

Young person category: Charlie Mack, Molly Reid, Claude Salton, Samson Biddulph, Georgia Murray, Elena Murray, Charlie Woods, Imogen Woods, Fiona De Fresnes, Isla Dow, Glen Clapperton, Logan Clapperton and Ellie Clapperton.

Adult category and contribution to the community: Hugh Bissett, Robert Grundison, Auld Kirk Thrift Shop, Karen Kidd/ Kidd family, Eric Dickson, In Bloom team, Vanda Dow , Sylvia McMillan, Bryan Hickman, John Breen, William Barber, Scott Ironside, Gordon Sutherland, Hannah Biddulph, Sandra Darling, Ed Bethune, Alan Braby, Links Road Garage, Alexa Hill, Betty and Rob Cross, John Marshall, Pam Fraser, Shona Brash, Port Seton Centre staff team and CPS Resilience Team.