The work of Shetland Islands Council’s Road Safety Officer has been recognised with an award from national cycling charity Cycling Scotland.
Elaine Skinley is the recipient of the organisation’s Annual Achievement Award, which recognises outstanding achievement in the delivery of Bikeability Scotland training for local school children.
The awards, held this year in Stirling, recognise the work which has gone on across the country during the 2022-23 academic session. This year, the Keith Fergus Annual Achievement Award, named in tribute to national training co-ordinator Keith Fergus, who passed away in 2022, has gone to Elaine for her long-term commitment to the programme.
Elaine’s work pre-dates the existence of Bikeability Scotland, with 20 years in the role. Shetland Islands Council is the only local authority to have offered road cycle training to all upper primary pupils for those two decades. Judges commented on her proactivity and resourcefulness, as well as her consistent delivery of training to local schools and pupils, with everyone given the opportunity to participate in on-road cycle training.
Elaine says: "I'm shocked and delighted to have receive the achievement award, I’ve just been doing my job and having fun teaching pupils to cycle safely on our roads. It’s an important life skill for them to have."
Councillor Robbie McGregor chairs the local Road Safety Advisory Panel: “I’m absolutely delighted to see Elaine receive this well-deserved award, for her work in such a vital area. She’s committed so many years to cycle training in Shetland to make sure that children and young people have the skills to keep themselves safe on our roads.”