The Saltire Awards are the Scottish Government’s way of celebrating, recognising, and rewarding the commitment, contribution, and achievements of young volunteers (12-25) in Scotland.

The Saltire Awards enable young people to receive certificates on completion of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 hours of volunteering.

Saltire Challenges also form part of the scheme. These are one-off volunteering events designed to introduce young people or host organisations. Volunteer Midlothian can assist people in starting a Challenge and organise certification for the young people involved.

For organisations, Saltire Awards provide:

• Recognition of the contribution that young volunteers make.
• Thanks to young volunteers for their help, commitment and dedication.
• Evidence of good practice, placing a high value on volunteers. 

For young people, Saltire Awards can: 

• Enhance their CV and job prospects.
• Recognise their achievements.
• Help to build a positive future.

The pinnacle of the Saltire scheme is the Summit Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to volunteering. Recipients must not only have completed the Ascent but have also exceeded expectations. Organisations nominate exceptional young volunteers and the candidates are judged by a panel of Saltire Ambassadors who can award no more than 12 Summits per year. The Summit provides well deserved recognition to young volunteers who have given extraordinary service to the community.

In Midlothian, we have an annual nomination process for Summit Awards that enable formal presentation at out Midlothian Volunteer Awards in June. Nominations for Summit Awards can be submitted as a category of the Midlothian Volunteer Awards nomination pack in Jan/ Feb each year.

Who can take part?

Any young person between the ages of 12-25 years who lives in Scotland can register on the Saltire Awards website. The young person logs their own hours, which are then authorised electronically by the volunteer manager.

How to register

The Satire Awards scheme and website is designed to enable young people to record their volunteering hours more independently. The website and login system makes it easier for them to monitor the number of hours they have completed. Some young people may need help from the organisation they volunteer with, or a support worker to register and use the site. If this is an issue, please contact us to discuss what extra help may be available.

Find out more

There is more information available on the Saltire Awards website for volunteers and organisations. For info about Saltire in Midlothian, please email us directly. We will be happy to meet, either digitally or in person, with staff and young people to introduce them to the scheme.