A community centre in Paisley has been awarded the highest distinction for voluntary service in the UK.

The Tannahill Centre, a community hub in the centre of Ferguslie Park, has been given the King’s Award for Voluntary Service for “empowering local people to create and provide services for positive living”.

Paul Irwin (below), community development manager of the centre, expressed his gratitude at receiving the award.

(Image: Paul Irwin) “This award belongs to every volunteer, past and present, who has put in hours of selfless dedication to make our centre a safe, welcoming, and inspiring place for everyone,” he said.

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Paul continued: “This includes all of the volunteer-led groups that have established themselves over the years, such as the Darkwood Crew (pictured below), Tannahill events team and no substitute for life men’s group and many more who do so much to directly address issues within the area.

(Image: Paul Irwin)“The hard work and resilience of all Ferguslie volunteers have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”

The award is an equivalent of an MBE and represents the highest distinction for voluntary organisations.

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The Tannahill Centre (below) is one of 21 Scottish award recipients this year, with 281 charities, youth groups and museums being recognised by the King across the UK – the largest number in the award’s 22-year history.

(Image: The Tannahill Centre, via Facebook)The centre is home to a number of essential services and community amenities, including a community café which provides training and employment for local young people.

It also hosts a number of community development projects addressing issues around food insecurity, mental health support and skills development, as well as supporting local people to take the lead in the regeneration of Ferguslie Park (pictured below).

An aerial view of Ferguslie Park (Image: Thomas Nugent, via Geograph)Kirsty McNeill, UK Government minister for Scotland, said: “I congratulate all the Scottish winners of the King's Award for Voluntary Service which honours those whose selfless dedication and tireless contributions inspire communities around Scotland.

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“From providing hospital radio to the sick, teaching English to those who need it and increasing accessibility for people with disabilities and much more, these recipients show the best of Scotland and I thank them all for their voluntary service.”

Applications for The King’s Awards for Voluntary Service are assessed each year by local lieutenancies – regions which are appointed to a representative of the British monarch – before being considered by a committee.

Focus is placed on identifying groups that: make a tangible impact to their local community, are steered by volunteers rather than paid staff, and have the highest standards in everything they do.