A TEENAGER who gives up her spare time to help an award-winning project has thanked her grandparents for inspiring her.

Hayley McCausland has been a regular helper at Dinner@DGS for the last four years.

The project was designed to bring pupils at Dunbar Grammar School (DGS) together with older members of the community around the dinner table.

Sixteen-year-old Hayley was recognised for her voluntary efforts during Dunbar Community Council’s awards evening last Monday.

The teenager was presented with the Bowe Cup, while Bob Fleet received the Community Council Award and the Salty Sisters were honoured with the Stephen Bunyan Award.

Hayley, who is in S6 at the secondary school, spoke to the Courier minutes after receiving the award and said: “I’m really, really speechless.

“I never thought I would win something so huge but it feels amazing and magical to have won the award.

“It is just a great night.

“I take inspiration from my papa [Robert McCausland]. He was always helping out the community and family when he could.

“My biggest inspiration to volunteer comes from my grandma [Isabelle McCausland], who loves to help out at the church. My grandparents are big influences.”

'An amazing young lady'

The awards ceremony took place in Dunbar Town House and saw people from a variety of groups recognised for their efforts in the community.

Kirsty McLuckie, pupil support worker at the secondary school, described Hayley as “a great asset” and noted that she turned her hand to any of the jobs in the project – whether that was setting up tables, prepping food or washing dishes.

Mrs McLuckie said: “Hayley was a key player with the Digital Buddies group, another intergenerational initiative.

“Dementia Friendly East Lothian, Dunbar Connected Communities and Dunbar Grammar School staff facilitated weekly meetings where the DGS students shared their knowledge of using i-Pads with their older friends.

“Hayley joined us every Monday for two hours for just under two years and has formed and sustained great relationships with our older friends.

“Hayley volunteered with Sustaining Dunbar’s Belhaven Buddies, visiting the residents of Blossom House at Belhaven Hospital on Friday afternoons.

“Arts, crafts, baking, music, poetry and more were regular activities carried out by the youngsters and residents there.

“At home, Hayley is a young carer and is currently studying for five Highers – however, she still manages to fit in volunteering.

“She is an amazing young lady and an inspiration to her peers.

“Hayley is a giver of the greatest gift – time.”

Others recognised

Also recognised was Belhaven Hill School pupil Blake Ainslie, who received a Young Citizen Award.

The Pipe Major of the school’s pipe band led the musicians at both the community picnic celebrating the coronation of King Charles III and the 65th anniversary of Dunbar Sea Cadets.

He also helped bring in the New Year by playing on the beach as the loony dookers enjoyed taking the plunge.

Meanwhile, Mr Fleet received the Community Council Award from Alasdair Swan.

As well as being involved with Belhaven Community Garden for a number of years, he has also helped Dunbar Community Woodland Group and Dunbar Shed, as well as Dunbar Coastal Rowing Club.

Mr Fleet, who previously worked at the Borders General Hospital, said: “I’m surprised.

“I am involved with a lot of community groups and when I retired I decided I would do some groups.

“I’ve basically got the four they mentioned and devote my time with them.”

Citizen Awards were also presented to Christine Bailey for her work in setting up the “invaluable” debt advice service in the town; Neil MacPherson for his support in growing mini rugby; and John Montgomery, who has been involved in the area’s first responders for many years.

Finally, the Citizen Team Award went to Rebecca Miller and Alison Wilson.

Together, the duo conquered a gruelling 65km Arctic trek in aid of When You Wish Upon a Star.

The charity grants wishes for children living with life-threatening illnesses.

Together, they raised more than £10,500 for the good cause, which has premises in Musselburgh.

The Stephen Bunyan Award went to the Salty Sisters, who were represented by Emma Timms and Shelley Sim.

The group was founded by Emma, who is a local yoga teacher, and is publicised and supported by Shelley.

Salty Sisters promotes the benefits of cold water swimming off the coast of Dunbar.

They told the Courier there was a growing appreciation of cold water swimming and encouraged people to try it.

They said: “Now wild swimming and cold water therapy are getting a lot more popular. It has brought out more and more people.

“We still get people saying ‘you must be nuts’, especially in the winter!”

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of the community council, felt the event was one of the highlights of the group’s calendar.

She said: “For us, it is a hugely important event in the year. It is lovely it is part of Civic Week and hopefully that sends the message out that we really do notice and value the exceptional work of so many people in and around the town.”