Council celebrates prestigious RAF Benevolent Fund award win

South Ayrshire Council has won the RAF Benevolent Fund Award for Outstanding Support from a Group or Organisation.

South Ayrshire Provost, Iain Campbell, and Leader of the Council, Martin Dowey accepted the award on behalf of the Council at the Fund's annual awards ceremony, which took place in London on 25 April.

Now in its 12^th year, the RAF Benevolent Fund Awards celebrate the outstanding contribution and support provided by partners, fundraisers and volunteers.

The Council were shortlisted for, and subsequently won, the award for 'exceptional support assisting the Fund with reaching, informing and supporting the RAF Family across Scotland and the wider UK'.

Chief Executive at the RAF Benevolent Fund, Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, said: "The Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise all of the great work that allows us to continue supporting RAF veterans, serving personnel and their families and making a real improvement to their lives. Many congratulations to all this year's winners including South Ayrshire Council for their inspirational enthusiasm, support, and generosity, which has been wonderful to see. From everyone at the RAF Benevolent Fund - thank you."

South Ayrshire Provost, Iain Campbell, said: "I was absolutely humbled to accept this award on behalf of South Ayrshire Council. It's magnificent, our working relationship with the Fund is so rewarding. The Council is looking forward to the upcoming International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight in September, which will be another fantastic event where we can support the Fund further."

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: "The RAF Benevolent Fund provide crucial support to serving and ex-serving RAF personnel and their families.  So, it was a privilege to receive this award on behalf of the Council. It's fantastic that we have been able to play a part in championing this worthy cause.  I'd like to extend my thanks to all the Council staff who work with partners at the Fund to ensure their message is shared as far and wide as possible."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "Winning the RAF Benevolent Fund Award in the Outstanding Support from a Group or Organisation category is a wonderful achievement for the Council.  I'm thrilled that our air show charity partner has recognised the support we have provided, and I know this award will mean a great deal to all of our officers who have worked to promote the Fund.  I look forward to continuing to support the charity over the coming years."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "From the off set, we've forged an excellent relationship with colleagues at the RAF Benevolent Fund and we are committed to promoting the work of the charity on an ongoing basis.  It really is a huge accomplishment for the Council to be recognised at their recent awards ceremony and a very proud moment for all involved."

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the Council's charity partner for The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight, which is set to return to Ayr shore front on 6 and 7 September 2024.