Bob Mackenzie given an “Outstanding Achievement’ award at Houses of Parliament event

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Orkney resident Bob Mackenzie has been given an award for his work in alcohol education and efforts in reducing the harmful consequences that underage drinking can cause in the community. Bob received his award for Outstanding Contribution at a special event in London on 02 April 2025.

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The award was given by Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) at its annual CAP awards ceremony. CAP is a national organisation that sets up and supports local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities.

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In 2017 Orkney CAP was established to work in partnership with Orkney Alcohol Counselling Advisory Service (OACAS) where Bob was an alcohol worker and mentor. Since then, along with its partners, Orkney CAP has spearheaded awareness campaigns such as anti-proxy purchasing involving Orkney Youth Café and an art competition where pupils from Stromness Academy designed bollard covers which were displayed at supermarkets in Kirkwall and Stromness.

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His youth engagement has resulted in organising educational sessions with pupils aged between 15 and 18 from Kirkwall Grammar school and Stromness Academy in relation to alcohol awareness, consumption, safeguarding each other and basic first aid. Speakers at these interactive sessions were local members of Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

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Bob also brought the “Smashed” drama production to Orkney’s schools to teach children and young people about the risks of underage drinking.

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"Weeks of Action" events to increase CAP’s visibility have been held involving Police Scotland, Tesco and the Co-op with Lidl also now being involved. In December 2019 Orkney CAP instigated a joint agency approach to holding a safe hub at Kirkwall Travel Centre during “Mad Friday”.

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Orkney CAP works alongside and supports Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Services with the national “Ask Angela “campaign being highlighted.

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Bob has also coordinated workshops for licence holders, collaborated with street pastors to engage with young people on alcohol safety, and supported efforts to address drink spiking in licensed venues.

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Bob’s dedication to the community is further reflected in his role in creating Arcadia Park, aed peaceful outdoor space. In recent years he has been joined by Paul Green, a retired horticultural architect with both volunteering a large amount of their own time to this much enjoyed 6 acres of parkland belonging to Orkney Islands Council.

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The Connect Project which is part of Voluntary Action Orkney helps young people aged 15-21 who may need support to find their way after leaving school or college and are unsure of what steps to take next, or not ready to move on to employment, or independent living. Since 2021 Arcadia Park has been a regular fixture for these young adults to come along and maintain their own area which has been supported by a joint funding venture between Orkney CAP and the Rotary Club of Orkney.

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Bob comments: “I was very surprised and extremely honoured when told about this award. In my 31 years with the Northern Constabulary, I witnessed many lives ruined through the abuse of alcohol and drugs. In 2009 I began working in the voluntary sector with Saco (Safer Communities Reducing Offending) and then OACAS (Orkney Alcohol and Advisory Service).”

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“Orkney CAP has been and will continue to be a joint venture with local partners in reducing the harm caused by alcohol to people under 25.

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I would like to thank everyone who has been involved and worked alongside CAP since 2017 especially Alan Simpson from CAP for all his advice and continuing support.”

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Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP comments: “Bob's work is testament to what one person can achieve with passion, dedication, and a belief in their community. He's a true community champion, and Orkney, and CAP are lucky to have him. We were delighted to be able to award him for his incredible work.”

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For media information, please contact: Samantha Patel, Communications Manager - sam@communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk

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