'It's a great honour!' Galashiels Rotary Club celebrates town's unsung heroes
Last updated 11th May 2026
A big-hearted Borderer who has dedicated more than 60 years of his life to volunteering has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Rotary club in his hometown of Galashiels.
From coaching rugby at the club where Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend kicked off his career to sprucing up the town's floral displays, John Gray is being recognised for his wide-ranging contributions to sport, culture and charitable causes.
"It's a great honour," he told Greatest Hits Radio. "It comes as a bit of a surprise to be honest.
"There's many in Rotary over the years that has spent a great deal of time in voluntary organisations in Gala, and I would think at the end of the day I am just one of many, many volunteers."
Mr Gray - whose lifelong dedication to public service, according to his citation and acknowledged by all in the room, has "positively shaped our community across multiple areas" - was presented with his award by Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, Ross Gardiner, during a special ceremony at Gala Rugby Club on Friday evening.
"I was at Langlee Primary School for about 20 years (to coach the kids) on a Saturday morning," he recalled. "That was a way back a number of years ago.
"Rugby was an amateur sport, so you were volunteering for everything."
When asked why he got involved in the first place, he smiled: "I think I wasn't very good at football, to be perfectly honest.
"Somebody suggested I should come down here (Netherdale) and play in the inter-ward sports tournament, because they had a look at me on a football pitch and thought I'd maybe make a better rugby player!"
Through Gala in Bloom, John also ensured the town was kept looking blooming marvellous over the years, as council budgets were trimmed.
During that time, the town's war memorial has been recognised among the best-kept in Britain, while Bank Street Gardens has also won numerous plaudits.
"We've a great squad on a Thursday," he admitted.
"Bank Street Gardens, Gala House, War Memorial, Gala Aisle, Interchange etc etc are all looked after now by volunteers."
When asked why he kept rolling his sleeves up, Mr Gray replied: "To make sure that Gala still had an environment that people wished to visit and also wished to live in."
John has been a committed member of the Rotary Club of Galashiels and District, living out its ethos of 'service above self'.
His citation continues: "Through Rotary, he has contributed to fundraising and hands-on support for a wide range of causes, including local charities, palliative care at the Margaret Kerr Unit at Borders General Hospital, and international efforts such as disaster relief, Water Aid, support for Ukraine, and global health initiatives like polio eradication."
After over 48 years in local authority planning and development, his knowledge and experience continue to benefit the town through his involvement in Energise Galashiels - a trust set-up to improve it.
Also a past President of the Braw Lads' Gathering, his citation adds: "Despite his many roles, he works modestly and often behind the scenes, focusing on achieving results rather than recognition.
"Above all, John is recognised for his mentorship and ability to inspire others. He leads by example, encouraging wider participation in community life and empowering individuals across generations - from schoolchildren and young athletes to business leaders and volunteers."
Local piper David Sanderson, who volunteers his time to help at the dementia unit in Langlee; Spar manager Gary Kowbel, who supported fundraising efforts for life-saving defibrillators; and Alison Finnie, who set up a support group for widowed people after her husband died in a road accident, were among those to receive Community Champion awards - nominated by the public.
Fabiano Furlan is President of Galashiels and District Rotary Club, which organised the event to celebrate the town's unsung heroes.
"It's amazing," he said. "When the nominations started coming through, even for me, was a discovery of how many people do good in our community. It's actually a good sign to see a society that helps each other.
"In many cases, people who work tirelessly in our community are not really recognised, they do it silently and they like to do it silently. But I think it's important to have an evening to celebrate them."
Other Community Champions include: Paramedic Vicki Moyes has given significant voluntary service to Galashiels Scout Group, undertaking a number of leadership roles and helping to support and inspire young people. She has also shared her expertise across South East Scotland Scouts by delivering First Response, safety management, and resuscitation training, equipping volunteers and communities with vital life-saving skills.
Julie Pearson has been honoured for her dedication to later life housing and care through her work with Trust Housing Association. Her leadership has helped older residents across the Borders live independently, safely and with dignity in supportive community environments.
Carol Cairney, Caroline Hamilton and Jane Wilson have received Community Champion Awards for their compassionate support at the Tweedbank Adult Disabilities Group and Langlee Dementia Unit. Their warmth and dedication have created welcoming spaces where clients feel valued and included.
Tweedbank Early Learners has been recognised for its commitment to nurturing children and supporting families across the local community. Staff were praised for creating an inclusive and inspiring environment that gives young people the best possible start in life.
Heidi Wilson has been honoured for decades of service to the Langlee community, including leading the community centre and supporting local youth work. She also recently received a Youth Borders Community Inspiration Award for her commitment and resilience.
David Sanderson has been recognised for his contribution to Scottish culture, education and community care. The Galashiels piper volunteers at the Langlee Dementia Unit and inspires young people through music and Burns traditions.
Cara McDermott has been named a Community Champion for her work supporting people affected by substance use across the Scottish Borders. The youngest board member of the Scottish Drugs Forum, she uses her own recovery journey to inspire and support others.
Gary Kowbel has been recognised for helping lead fundraising efforts for life-saving defibrillators in Langlee. The Spar manager also supports a wide range of local events and charities, often working quietly behind the scenes.
Karen Walker has been honoured for her tireless volunteer work improving life in Langlee and Galashiels. From litter-picking and supporting residents to fundraising for defibrillators, her efforts have made a visible difference across the community.
Amanda Valentine has received recognition for her years of voluntary work supporting mental wellbeing through Peer 2 Peer Mindfulness. Since joining the programme in 2017, she has helped hundreds of people access mindfulness support and recovery resources.
Alison Finnie has been honoured for creating the Scottish Borders Widowed Community following the death of her husband in 2022. What began as a small support group has grown into a thriving organisation supporting more than 500 widowed people across the region.
Lavender Touch has been recognised for its outstanding service to the local community through therapeutic care and wellbeing support. The organisation was praised for fostering connection, compassion and inclusion across the Scottish Borders.
John Davidson MBE and Dottie Auchenbach have been honoured for their tireless advocacy and awareness work around Tourette’s. Their campaigning has challenged stigma, encouraged understanding and supported families across the community.
Café Recharge has been recognised for creating a welcoming social hub at the heart of the Galashiels community. The café was praised for supporting wellbeing, reducing isolation and encouraging volunteering and inclusion.
Duncan Conway has been honoured for bringing music and companionship to older and vulnerable people across the Borders. The retired mill worker regularly performs free ukulele sessions at care homes and community groups throughout the area.
Tweedbank Brownies and Galashiels Cub Scouts have been recognised for taking part in an innovative environmental project focused on reducing, reusing and recycling waste. The initiative encourages young people to develop greener habits through creative and practical activities.
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