AN INITIATIVE created by McLaren High S4 pupil Alastair Cantlay has been named as a finalist in the national Helping it Happen Awards 2020.

Cantlay’s FETCH.scot is in the running for the Central Scotland Community Champion of the Year category.

The initiative saw 20 young volunteers from McLaren High School delivering essential items to those who were isolating at home around Callander due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The service was provided in conjunction with McLaren High School, Callander Community Council, Callander Development Trust, Callander Community Support and Callander Kirk.

FECTH.SCOT will battle it out against two other finalists in the category including ‘Discover Scottish Gardens’ – a scheme which brought beautiful gardens from across Scotland to the masses online during lockdown.

Now in its fourth year, the Helping it Happen Awards have become firmly established in recognising the role of estates, businesses and individuals who are helping rural Scotland thrive.

The awards are organised by rural business organisation, Scottish Land & Estates.

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land and Estates, said: “More than ever, this year has typified what the Helping it Happen Awards is all about – individuals, rural businesses and organisations going the extra mile to make a positive contribution to society.

“This work benefits us all by sustaining rural employment, providing respite and support or helping Scotland meet its climate change goals.

“The pandemic, and particularly the lockdown period, has given rise to many inspiring stories as people such as Alastair use their own talents, time and money to support their local communities.”

The winners will be announced on YouTube at noon on September 30.