The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award

Man to Man the world o'er, Shall brothers be for a' that

This famous phrase sums up all that is best about Burns, and indeed, Scotland: our tolerance, friendship and humanity.  And the simple sentiment and beautiful words are the inspiration for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award.

Nominations are now closed for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2010.

Thank you to all who nominated, the shortlist will be announced later this year. 

The award recognises individuals and groups for their tireless efforts to improve and enrich the lives of others. Previous nominees have included UNICEF ambassador Ewan McGregor and Bollywood actress and political activist Shabana Azmi. 

Now in its ninth year, the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is presented annually to a group or individual who has saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service, 'hands on' charitable/volunteer work, or other acts.

The winner will receive 1759 guineas, a sum which signifies the year of the bard's birth and the coinage then in circulation, as well as a specially commissioned hand-made award.

Scottish novelist Andrew O’Hagan joined the judging panel of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award in 2008.  He said:  “The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is an incredible honour and one which recognises those who ask for no recognition but deserve it in abundance.  2009 is Scotland’s year of Homecoming and a celebration of the birth of Robert Burns and so this year’s award was especially poignant and it is fitting that we open nominations for next year’s award on the anniversary of his death.  I am confident that the calibre of nominations for 2010 will be just as impressive as in previous years and we look forward to recognising their efforts.”

This year the award was won by Guy Willoughby, founder and CEO of HALO Trust, based in Dumfries, which specialises in the removal of harmful and unexploded debris of war.  Guy was presented with the award by First Minister, Alex Salmond at a glittering ceremony in Ayrshire in May. For more information on previous winners click here.