A HELENSBURGH veteran and former journalist has received an unsung hero award for his work in championing a national dementia charity.

Findlay McQuarrie was honoured last week at the Alzheimer Scotland staff, members' and volunteers' conference in Glasgow.

The Our People Awards ceremony, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Monday, November 18, was an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the achievements of colleagues who have gone above and beyond in their role and have shown innovation, passion or commitment in their work.

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And 90-year-old National Service veteran Findlay was hailed on the evening for his contribution to the cause both nationally and in Helensburgh.

A former journalist for several national newspapers, Findlay has been a volunteer and supporter of Alzheimer Scotland for many years both nationally as a trustee and locally as branch chairman.

This year, 30 worthy nominations were received and the awards committee, made up of a group of Alzheimer Scotland senior management and trustees who follow a judging criterion, had a tough job of narrowing down the nominees and selecting their winners from the seven categories.

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A spokeswoman for the Helensburgh Dementia Resource Centre said: "In Helensburgh Findlay was instrumental in bringing together local people to form a branch that supported the opening of our first Resource Centre on East King Street.

"Although we no longer have a branch, Findlay remains an ardent supporter of our local services and a loyal friend to our local team.

"He frequently drops in to the resource centre and is always willing to offer help and support or give advice to staff and other volunteers."

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