Two of Dumfriesshire’s longest-serving Conservative volunteer activists have recently received national recognition for their dedication to the party at an event in Edinburgh.
Moffat resident Pat Caullay and Dumfries-based Sheena Dunlop were presented with awards at the Scottish Conservative Party conference last weekend, where they were congratulated for their outstanding voluntary service.
The awards were presented by Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay and party chairman Alasdair Locke during a ceremony at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, with both women said to be “over the moon” at the recognition.
The nominations were put forward by David Mundell MP and Craig Hoy MSP, who praised the pair’s decades of commitment and hard work.
Sheena Dunlop has served in numerous roles on the Executive, the Branches and CWG of the former Dumfries and Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweeddale Associations and now the Dumfries & Galloway Association.
Commenting, David Mundell MP said: “Sheena is a fundraiser extraordinaire bringing together a host of successful events over many years to raise vital funds for elections. Sheena's great skill is bringing together a team and getting people to do things, but she is more than willing to step forward herself, having been a Council candidate and a volunteer co-ordinator facilitating the stuffing and delivery of tens of thousands of letters over the years. Sheena has been a key player in the revival of the Conservatives in South West Scotland since 1999.”
Pat Caullay has been “a stalwart volunteer” helping in every election since she moved to Moffat as well as doing sterling work in the front line of the referendum.
Craig Hoy MSP said: “Pat has stuffed, folded and delivered tens of thousands of leaflets as well as canvassing and her speciality of telephone canvassing. Pat's selfless efforts have played a pivotal role in ensuring election victories in both Dumfriesshire Clydesdale & Tweeddale at Westminster and Dumfriesshire at the Scottish Parliament.”
Speaking after receiving the recognition, Pat Caullay said: “I am overwhelmed and emotional. This recognition came as a total surprise. I spent the rest of the day in a trance!”
Sheena Dunlop said: “I am truly humbled but very honoured to receive this recognition. I am over the moon.”
