Dunbartonshire Dunkirk volunteers win charity MBE

A Dunbartonshire charity restoring a Loch Lomond pleasure boat, which was used to rescue stranded soldiers during the Dunkirk evacuation in World War Two, has been awarded the charity equivalent of the MBE.

The Skylark IX Recovery Trust is one of 231 charities across the UK  to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award is national recognition and celebrates the exceptional commitment, skill and compassion of volunteers, who work tirelessly to protect the legacy of the historic Dunkirk Little Ship Skylark IX while supporting people across West Dunbartonshire through recovery, boatbuilding and community programmes.

Over the coming months, representatives of Skylark IX Recovery Trust will formally receive the Award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Mrs Jill Young MBE, and two charity volunteers will be invited to attend the Royal Garden Party in 2026.

Mary Burch BEM, Chair of Skylark IX Recovery Trust, said:

‘We are deeply honoured to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Skylark IX — honouring her legacy while helping people in our community find hope and recovery. This award is a meaningful reflection of their compassion, resilience, and belief in the power of community.

‘We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, supporter, partner, and friend who has been part of our journey. This recognition truly belongs to them — a celebration of the dedication and care that make West Dunbartonshire such a strong and inspiring place.”

Anne Dyer, Depute Director of Alternatives, Dumbarton a community-based drugs recovery programme, and advisor to the Trust, said:

“It has been a privilege to work alongside Skylark IX Recovery Trust and witness first hand the impact volunteers from Alternatives and the wider community make every single day. The blend of heritage, recovery, and community spirit is unique, and the volunteers are the driving force behind that success. The time and commitment our volunteers offer doesn’t just support Skylark IX — it creates real pathways of hope and recovery in our community.”