Tom and Luke Stoltman, the world’s strongest brothers, present Fortrose Academy pupil with High Life Highland diamond hoodie

A Black Isle teenager has been presented with a special hoodie by strongman brothers, Tom and Luke Stoltman, for her work as a volunteer.

Fortrose Academy pupil and young leader Orlagh MacIver (16) received a diamond hoodie, marking more than 1000 hours of volunteering with High Life Highland’s Young Leadership programme.

Tom Stoltman, the World’s Strongest Man and leadership programme ambassador, visited the school with his brother, Luke, Britain and Europe’s Strongest Man, to make the presentation.

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Orlagh has been volunteering in various ways for the last five years including at the Cromarty Youth Café.

She has led multi-sports sessions, arts and craft groups as well as intergenerational gatherings in her local community.

She has also been involved in fundraising for the James Support Group and Mikeysline which helped her achieve her platinum hoodie, which she was presented with last summer.

Orlagh is also a recipient of an Eric Liddell Award, which recognises individuals who give selflessly to their local communities, resulting in a meeting with Princess Anne at the awards ceremony in Edinburgh - a moment she described as one of her greatest experiences of her volunteering career.

“Over the years of my volunteering journey, my confidence and knowledge has developed greatly. I am now more outgoing and am more likely to speak up in situations I wouldn’t have before,” she said.

“I’ve learnt many valuable skills for life, that I’ll definitely keep with me as I grow older.

“Overall, I enjoy giving back to my town and community, being a friendly face and someone that people can look up to.

“I particularly value the bonds and friendships I have made through my volunteering.”

Elizabeth MacDonald, leadership programme development officer with High Life Highland said: “Orlagh is an exceptional young leader who has shown an overwhelming amount of commitment and self-motivation.

“She has dedicated an enormous amount of time and effort helping to make life better in her local community and supporting mental health charities.”

The leadership programme is open to young people aged 12-25 years.

Although underpinned by leadership in sport and youth work, the awards are open to young people volunteering in clubs, libraries, facilities, and other community sectors.

The hoodie milestones are navy, purple, green, red, silver, gold, platinum and diamond.

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