Issued: 2 December 2002
Piperdam Scoops First Ambassador Of Year Award
Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort is the 2002 Angus Ambassador of the Year.
The six winners of the 2002 Angus Ambassador Award were announced at a star studded award ceremony (Friday 29 November) presided over by guest presenter Selina Scott.
Around 200 stars of the Angus' business, arts and tourism sectors joined the county's artists, community representatives and aspiring youth talent at the Carnoustie Golf Course Hotel to recognise those whose talents and accomplishments make them excellent ambassadors for the county.
The winners are:
| Ambassador of the Year | Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort Ltd |
| Arts Ambassador | Carnoustie Theatre Group (Youth) |
| Business Ambassador | John M Henderson & Co Ltd, Arbroath |
| Community Ambassador | Kirriemuir Splash |
| Tourism Ambassador | Kirriemuir Gateway to the Glens Museum |
| Youth Ambassador | Tony Cargill of Arbroath |
The Angus Ambassador Awards are presented by the Angus Ahead Campaign to promote the talents and achievements of the county. This year, the fourth year of the awards, there were over 100 entries, which were narrowed down to just 20 finalists by the independent judging panels.
The winners of the six 2002 awards each received a specially commissioned award and a cash prize of £500 (in the Aspiring Youth award the winner received £300 and the two highly commended finalists each received £100) ...
Winners Profiles
Ambassador Of The Year sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland: recognising those whose endeavours have most raised awareness of Angus' potential, opportunities and distinct characteristics.
Winner: Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort Ltd. The judges commended Piperdam on attracting thousands of visitors to Angus each year. The resort has quickly established itself as an international Ambassador for the county with its fishing lochs, woodland and an osprey visitor centre praised by visitors from Angus, UK and abroad.
Highly Commended in this category were FIFA vice president David Will of Brechin and John M Henderson & Co Ltd of Arbroath
Arts Ambassador - Creative Angus sponsored by RGIT MONTROSE celebrating the creative culture of the county, recognising the artistic achievements of those involved in mediums as diverse as the visual arts, theatre, film and music.
Winner: Carnoustie Theatre Club (Youth Group). This year the young actors not only stormed off with the Scottish championship title at the National Youth Competition in Edinburgh and but also won through to the national finals of the Scottish Community Drama Association's awards for one-act plays held at Pitlochry. They swept the boards at festivals across Scotland by winning a total of nine trophies for best performance, stage presentation and entertainment.
Highly Commended in this category were Gordon School of Dancing from Montrose and Forfar's Kyle Esplin, Scotland's No1 boogie woogie pianist/singer.
Business Ambassador - Marketer of the Year sponsored by Blackadders Solicitors: For those whose innovation and creativity in marketing their business is bringing success to the company, benefit to the community and recognition to the county.
Winner: John M Henderson & Co Ltd of Arbroath is the leading supplier in the UK of coke oven machines and related pollution control equipment for the steel industry. Success in completing a contract worth over £7million for a steel plant in Italy has led to enquiries being received for a number of major steelworks contracts worldwide - establishing the company on the international market. Dynamic marketing in this changing environment has led to an expanding customer base not only in Europe but also in South America, China and India.
Highly Commended in this category were Glamis Castle and Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort Ltd
Community Ambassador sponsored by Angus Housing Association: recognising the achievements of those working in the community to raise awareness of both the community and the county.
Winner: Kirriemuir Splash has for the past 13 years organised a sponsored swim event in Angus' little red town which attracts around 300 swimmers from the ages of six to ninety-one. Not only does it bring almost the entire community together it has also raised a staggering £50,000 for charities both at home and as far a field as India, South America and Africa. It is a genuine community effort supported by local businesses, churches, schools and the general public throughout the county.
Highly Commended in this category were Fowlis Easter Village Hall Committee, Wellbank Amenities Association and Norma Murray of Friockheim.
Tourism Ambassador - Most Welcome Host sponsored by Carnoustie Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa: recognising excellence in providing a welcoming, friendly and enjoyable experience for visitors to Angus.
Winner: Kirriemuir Gateway To The Glens Museum, despite only opening in May 2001, has an impressive list of awards to its name - Scottish Museum of the Year, 4 stars in the Scottish Tourist Board museum grading scheme, and to top it all has exceeded projected visitor numbers by over 17%. The needs of visitors are foremost with guides are available in four European languages and exhibits of Kirriemuir and younger visitors are brought closer to the Angus Glens with sights, sounds - and even smells! The Scottish Museum of the Year committee singled out for praise " the warm welcome from staff, creative use of new technology and hands on material for younger visitors".
Highly Commended in this category were Castleton House Hotel by Glamis, Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort Ltd and coach driver Alex Paterson, whose customer service is tops with his passengers.
Youth Ambassador - Aspiring Youth sponsored by Angus College: for those under 25yrs who have a vision for their future and the drive and talent to succeed in their chosen field.
Winner: Tony Cargill of Arbroath is a former highland dancing World Champion, Commonwealth champion, North American champion and Australasian champion who has still found time to fit in an appearance alongside Wayne Sleep at the London Palladium, and as a guest performer at the Edinburgh Tattoo. He has represented Britain at a multinational performance in Beijing, representing Angus as a county proud of its national heritage. Tony - who has been dancing since he was six - has been an Oscar winner for the last four years - an award made to the person who achieves the most highland dancing championships in a year. Tony is now a qualified dance teacher, working not only with local youngsters but also as a guest teacher in Vancouver and Philadelphia.
Highly Commended in this category were Scottish Junior Curling Champion Duncan Clark of Monifieth and Special Olympics equestrian Gold medallist Nicola Reid of Forfar.
For further information on the Ambassador Awards and the Angus Ahead Campaign contact MERLYN DUNN, campaign co-ordinator T:01307 473784 F:01307 467357 dunnm@angus.gov.uk