25-06-2025
Dedicated Prestwick volunteer left speechless seconds before meeting top royal
Margaret Milligan, from Prestwick, was personally honoured with an award by The Princess at Victim Support Scotland's annual volunteering conference in Glasgow.
A voluntary worker has revealed how she was left speechless... seconds before meeting HRH The Princess Royal to collect an award.
Margaret Milligan, from Prestwick, was personally honoured with an award by The Princess at Victim Support Scotland's annual volunteering conference in Glasgow.
The Princess Royal, who is the Patron of the charity, visited to celebrate Volunteers' Week 2025 as well as Victim Support Scotland's 40th anniversary.
Margaret won the Volunteer Impact Award, having been nominated and voted on by VSS colleagues and service users.
'I couldn't believe it when my name was read out,' she said. 'I was truly speechless, which is most unlike me!
'And what an honour to be presented by The Princess Royal, I'm well chuffed.'
Staff and volunteers were also praised for their long service, receiving awards for five years all the way up to an incredible 28 years as a volunteer and 35 as a staff member.
The Princess Royal warmly addressed all attendees, commending them for the support offered to victims of all crimes across Scotland for the past 40 years, and for the many years to come.
The festival focused on celebrating volunteering at VSS and the positive impact volunteers have on the lives of people impacted by crime.
Staff and volunteers took part in workshops designed to improve wellbeing, communication, and mentoring skills.
James Whyte, Head of Volunteering at Victim Support Scotland, said: 'It was a real treat for our volunteers to meet The Princess Royal, and we are incredibly grateful for the support she has shown as our Patron and the interest taken in the vital support we provide to people impacted by crime in Scotland.
'This festival focused on celebrating the amazing contribution of our volunteers and the staff who support them every day.
'Our volunteers are often supporting people going through the most difficult time in their lives, and at VSS we want to let them know that they are appreciated and valued - not only by the people we support, but by the entire organisation.'
Victim Support Scotland is an independent, volunteer-led charity that provides emotional, practical, and trauma-informed support to individuals and families dealing with the impact of any type of crime in Scotland.
Volunteers guide victims and witnesses through the court process, provide emotional support, signpost specialist services, or simply listen to people who often feel isolated and unheard in the criminal justice system.
VSS has volunteers in communities across Scotland offering in-person support, alongside a helpline and webchat service that can provide support remotely.
The other award winners were: Rachel Duncan - Spirit of VSS (Lochgelly) and Julie Farish - New Volunteer (Cumbernauld).
