Nominations are now open for East Renfrewshire's Citizen of the Year 2025
We're calling on local people to help shine a light on a volunteer who has made an exceptional contribution to the area.
Published: 20 October 2025
Each year, we honour a local hero with the prestigious Provost Award and name them Citizen of the Year, recognising the significant impact they have on the community.
Neilston resident, Stephen Byars was recognised as Citizen of the Year 2024 for his lifesaving work as the coordinator of the Neilston & Uplawmoor Community First Responder Group, where his voluntary work has spanned across more than a decade.
As an integral part of the group since its inception in 2014, Stephen maintains and manages many of the area's public access defibrillators, going above and beyond to ensure that these crucial resources are readily available in the community, as well as selflessly giving most of his weekends to be available to respond to emergency calls across East Renfrewshire.
Provost Mary Montague: 'The Provost Award is all about celebrating the wonderful volunteers who quietly go the extra mile to help others in our community, day in and day out. We're privileged to have so many selfless individuals in East Renfrewshire who give up much of their spare time to improve the lives of others and make a real difference - without looking for any praise.
'Being involved in the Citizen of the Year process is a key highlight for me each year, as we look to say thank you to the kind people who make East Renfrewshire a better place. A record-breaking number of nominations were received in 2024, and the judging panel were blown away by the calibre of people who are committed to their community and helping others, so we're very much looking forward to seeing who will be put forward this year.
'Each year we are truly inspired by the stories that we hear, so if a volunteer has made an impact in your life, or you know of someone who is dedicated to helping others, please take a few moments to fill out a nomination form on the Council's website.'
Find out more and submit a nomination.
The final day to submit nominations is Sunday 2 November 2025 with the winner announced in December. Nominees must live in the East Renfrewshire area and have volunteered in their local community for several years to be eligible.
