The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Queen's coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups. The selection process is very rigorous and involves some initial paperwork (of course) and then an assessment by numerous committees on the benefits that the group brings to the local community. Frequently there are unannounced visits in order to view the organisation in action.

It is with immense delight that the Stonehaven Tolbooth Association can announce that we have gained the Queen's Award. We are one of the 281 voluntary groups selected the receive this prestigious award in 2019. The STA is a young organisation which has only been in existence for 8 years but in that time we have transformed the Tolbooth Museum into a 'must see' attraction in Stonehaven.

Cressida Coates (our Chair) says:

"We are delighted to receive this award, especially as we are a very young organisation. Our volunteers have worked tirelessly and dedicatd many hours to creating an exciting attraction which is a magnet for tourists and locals alike. Without their dedication it is doubtful whether the museum would exist and we regard this award as a tribute to the volunteers' hard work and commitment."