Pubdate: Thu, 19 Feb 2004
Source: Orcadian, The (UK)
Copyright: 2004 The Orcadian Limited
Contact:  http://www.orcadian.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2292
Cited: Biz Ivol  http://www.ccguide.org.uk/bizivol.html (Biz Ivol)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Biz+Ivol (Biz Ivol)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

WILL CAMERON BE ORKNEY'S 'CITIZEN OF THE YEAR?

Big Brother winner Cameron Stout will be up against cannabis campaigner Biz 
Ivol in an award ceremony with a difference tomorrow night (Thursday). The 
unlikely duo, alongside charity worker John Muir, music teacher Jean 
Leonard and ferries operator Andrew Banks, are in the running for the first 
ever 'Orkney Citizen of the Year' award, sponsored by Orkney Islands 
Council, Orkney Today and Highland Park.

Two awards will be presented in the St Magnus Centre in Kirkwall tomorrow 
night (February 19). The 'Citizen of the Year' award, for the person who, 
in the eyes of the Orkney people, has been an ambassador for Orkney and the 
'Unsung Hero of Orkney' award, for someone who has shown great dedication 
and service outwith the glare of publicity.

The first is determined by votes cast by Orcadians, the second through 
nominations from Orcadians, assessed by a panel of judges. There are 20 
nominations for the second award, which will be presented by Orkney Islands 
Council Convener Stephen Hagan.

But it is the Citizen of the Year award that should spark the most interest 
off Orkney. Cameron, from Harray, who is hot favourite to lift the trophy 
said: "I'm surprised and amazed at being nominated. There are so many 
people who have more worthy causes. People in Orkney seem to be as thrilled 
by my whole year as I am. This is great."

Cannabis campaigner and MS sufferer Biz Ivol, from South Ronaldsay, is 
perhaps the dark horse. Her high profile court case last summer grabbed the 
national headlines and made her name synonymous with the Legalise Cannabis 
campaign. Shocked at being nominated, Ms Ivol said: "It is obviously nice 
of people to have thought of me and put my name forward. A lot of people 
know that the government are still not telling the truth when it comes to 
the affects of cannabis."

Andrew Banks, founder and managing director of Pentland Ferries, from St 
Margaret's Hope, is seen as a hero to many for his entrepreneurial skills 
in showing that an Orcadian can run a daily transport service to the 
Scottish Mainland against fierce competition.

Retired music teacher Jean Leonard, from Stromness, is well-known in music 
and learning circles in Orkney. She founded the Orkney Traditional Music 
Project, which encourages young people to learn traditional tunes and 
instruments like accordion and fiddle. She said: "I have such a super life 
and get so much back from all I do, that this is just icing on the cake. It 
is, perhaps, unfair that I get all this extra praise for something I love 
doing.

John Muir, from Holm, is well known to most Orcadians for his work with the 
Macmillan Cancer Appeal, the Italian Chapel Preservation Committee, and the 
local community in Holm. On being nominated, John said: "I am absolutely 
gob smacked! I've never given any thought to gaining anything for what I 
do. I enjoy doing what I do otherwise I wouldn't do it. Stephen Hagan, 
Convener of Orkney Islands Council, who are one of the main sponsors behind 
the event, described how hard the job was going to be. He said:

"We are delighted to sponsor this event which highlights the valuable 
contribution that so many people make to life in Orkney. It is a difficult 
task to pick a winner from such a list of deserving candidates for 'Unsung 
Hero of the year'. I believe that they are all winners."

Orkney Today editor John Ross Scott, organiser of the competition, told of 
his excitement about the forthcoming awards. He said: "This has been a 
really worthwhile project and I was delighted by the response for 
nominations for both categories which came from across Orkney. There were 
some really heart wrenching stories involved in the 'Unsung Hero' category. 
I just wish there were more awards to give out there.

He added: "I'm also pleased that Orkney Islands Council has decided to join 
forces with Highland Park and Orkney Today to bolster the credence of the 
first 'Orkney Citizen of the Year' awards, which will be staged annually. 
Highland Park Distillery manager Russell Anderson said: "We are delighted 
to be playing a part in this venture. Awarding credit to Orcadians who make 
their mark in Orkney and beyond in this way is something that is long overdue."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom