Two dedicated volunteer groups in Lanarkshire have been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest recognition a local voluntary organisation can receive in the UK, equivalent to an MBE.
CHOICES, based in Carluke, is a charity shop run by around 40 volunteers who provide a vital service to the local community. As well as supporting the town’s youth centre and other good causes, the shop acts as a friendly drop-in space where volunteers lend a listening ear and offer guidance. The group also helps young people gain work experience and employability skills.
Grow Uddingston is a community-led group focused on improving the environment and appearance of Uddingston. Volunteers have transformed key areas such as Uddingston Cross, the Railway Station, and the village gateway, while leading local projects in tree planting, litter picking, and graffiti removal. Their work brings people together and has earned recognition for horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility, and community participation.
Both organisations will receive their award and certificate from Lady Susan Haughey CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, in the coming months, with two volunteers from each group invited to attend the Royal Garden Party at Holyroodhouse in July 2026.
Lady Haughey said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the amazing work of both Choices and Grow Uddingston recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. These groups make a tremendous difference to their communities, and this award is richly deserved.”
Nominations for the 2026 King’s Award for Voluntary Service are now open until 1 December 2025. Anyone who knows of a local organisation doing exceptional voluntary work is encouraged to nominate them at https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk.