Orkney Norway Friendship Association Voluntary Service Award

That the Parliament congratulates the Orkney Norway Friendship Association on being awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service; notes that the award recognises the exceptional work of voluntary groups from across the UK in making a positive impact on people’s lives; understands that this is the highest honour that can be given to voluntary groups and that 24 organisations from Scotland were given the award in 2019; acknowledges that the association promotes friendships, as well as cultural and educational visits, between Orkney and Norway and has a programme of events that runs during the winter to celebrate these ties, and congratulates Ishbel Borland and all of the volunteers involved in the association over the years for the outstanding work they do in sustaining and enhancing the strong bonds between the people of Orkney and Norway.