Facilities Management colleagues hailed at ASSIST FM Scottish National Awards

Colleagues from Facilities Management were hailed for their achievements after being nominated as finalists at the ASSIST FM Scottish National Awards.

The awards, which were held at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel in May, recognise excellence, commitment, and professionalism in the country’s 32 local authorities.

Senior Facilities Assistant Karen Kelly, who is the driving force behind a breakfast club for Meadowpark, was nominated for the Community Focus Award.

Meadowpark, part of Knox Academy secondary school in Haddington, is a specialist provision for young people with complex needs primarily associated with autism spectrum disorder. Karen established the school’s breakfast club in 2021, and its popularity has grown. Around half of the 57 pupils gather in the cafeteria to enjoy breakfast and time with friends before the school day starts.

Kenny McCrorie, the janitor St Gabriel’s Primary School in Prestonpans, was nominated for the Outstanding Contribution to FM Services Award.

Kenny was honoured for his actions during an emergency situation at the school last December which resulted in the immediate evacuation of staff and pupils. Displaying remarkable quick thinking, Kenny took control of the situation and prioritised the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.

The Crookston Care Home Catering Team was nominated for the Outstanding Contribution to Catering Services Award. Comprising a Cook, an Assistant Cook, and a team of Kitchen Assistants, they provide nutritious meals and snacks every day of the year at the 60-bed care home in Tranent.

Their menu, developed through extensive menu tasting sessions with residents and staff, reflects their commitment to catering not just for dietary needs, but for preferences and comfort as well. This approach was highlighted in the glowing feedback received during a recent inspection by the Care Inspectorate where residents and their families praised the quality and variety of food on offer.

Vanessa Sanal, Service Manager - Facilities, said: “We are so proud of our nominees whose hard work was recognised at the ASSIST FM Awards.

“Karen has made an invaluable difference to the lives of children and families in our community through running the breakfast club. She has created an environment where children from all backgrounds, including those who may be struggling financially or facing other challenges, can begin their day with the nourishment and care they deserve.

“Kenny demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and compassion, going far above and beyond what was expected. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of others make him a shining example of excellence in an emergency response.

“The Catering Team at Crookston display dedication that goes beyond the kitchen. They are adept at managing intricate logistics to meet the diverse needs of the residents, ensuring that every mealtime is a positive and nurturing experience.”

Transport Services honoured with Fleet Award at ceremony

Our Transport Services team scooped a top honour at the APSE Striving for Excellence Awards 2025.

The awards celebrate the work carried out by Scotland’s local authorities in the fields of waste and recycling, parks, grounds and streets, and fleet services.

The winners were selected by an independent judging panel.

Transport Services received the Fleet Award for delivering cost effective and efficient services across the county.

The judges also acknowledged the department’s leading role in developing of software solutions to organise home to school transport and its continued investment in vehicle maintenance through staff training, apprenticeship programmes and digital adaption.

Transport Services works to ensure cost effective and efficient services are maintained across East Lothian. These range from ensuring all drivers undertake driving assessments, recording their vehicle use whilst ensuring legislative obligations are met.

Well done to everyone involved!

Thank you! Celebrating staff compliments

Individuals, teams and departments across the council regularly receive compliments from residents, visitors, staff and businesses. Here's a selection:

Local resident: Libraries. Thank you for your hospitality and amazing day today. We are really grateful for work you have put into organising our visit to the John Gray Centre. Thank you also to Anita for organising tea and coffee for us. This was lovely.

Council tenant: Property maintenance. Everyone in property repairs, starting with Amanda this morning, has been so helpful. Everything requested has been done and now I can have a peaceful weekend.

Prestonpans resident: Amenity Services. I cannot believe the difference in Prestonpans cemetery -  all grass tidy, all rubbish picked up, and all trees and shrubs trimmed. Could you please thank whoever is responsible. Thank you.

Staff member: Libraries. I just wanted to say that the overwhelming feedback was so positive, and particularly about how friendly, helpful, and welcoming the staff at Haddington library are, and what brilliant relationships you all build with young people.

North Berwick resident: Road Services. The issues surrounding any work related to the east end High Street have been a point of contention and conflicting opinion for many months. The need for renovation of the road surface, pavement space etc. was obvious. However the concern around access to shops and businesses, the issue of parking and the significant difficulties for those with limited mobility was hotly debated.
I have walked down the High Street this morning on a gloriously sunny day, acknowledging a professional and pleasing renovation which reflects quality workmanship and aesthetic materials.
Thank you for the planning, the work teams involved and the efficient completion of the process.