Orkney youth worker honoured with national lifetime achievement award

Walter Gorman, who retired from his role as Team Manager for Adult & Family Learning with Orkney Islands Council in March, received one of Scotland's most prestigious youth work honours last night - the Lifetime Achievement Award (Fellowship of YouthLink Scotland) - at the National Youth Work Awards 2026.

Walter has dedicated over 40 years to youth work, 31 of them in service to young people across Orkney. Over that time he delivered Rock Schools across the islands, helped establish the Orkney Youth Café, coordinated the Duke of Edinburgh's Award for over two decades, developed Police Scotland Youth Volunteers in Orkney, and has worked in children's residential care. He also played a key role in the creation of the skate park, play areas, youth clubs and learning centres across Orkney.

The Fellowship of YouthLink Scotland is the highest recognition in Scottish youth work and is awarded solely at the discretion of the YouthLink Scotland Board. It recognises an individual who has made a consistent and outstanding contribution to youth work, with an impact on the lives of young people that is evident at a local and national level, and who is held in high regard by young people, fellow practitioners, managers and partner organisations alike.

Walter said: "I feel very humbled to have been nominated for a Fellowship of YouthLink Scotland Lifetime Achievement Award for services to young people.

“This is not at all something I was looking for or expecting, and so I am very grateful to those who nominated me. In my role as a Youth Worker and Community Learning Officer with Orkney Islands Council I was given the opportunity to share, amongst other things, my love of music and the great outdoors with the young people I worked with over that time.

“I feel very privileged to have been given that opportunity and hope I have changed the lives of some of these young people for the better along the way. Thank you."

Kerry Spence, Service Manager for Community Learning, Development and Employability - who worked alongside Walter for 25 years - said: "Walter is one of those rare people who has spent his entire career quietly changing lives, without ever seeking recognition for it.

“This award is thoroughly deserved, and it means a great deal to everyone who has worked alongside him over the years. He has left an extraordinary legacy in Orkney - not just in the facilities and programmes he helped create, but in the generations of young people whose lives he touched."

Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Education, Communities and Housing Committee, said: “Walter’s contribution to young people and communities across Orkney has been immeasurable, and it is wonderful to see it recognised on a national level.

“Walter’s work has touched the lives of generations of young people across Orkney – many of whom are now adults, carrying forward the confidence and values he helped instil.”