A SELFLESS schoolboy who gives up his spare time to play the bagpipes for adults with learning difficulties and complex needs was presented with a special award this week in recognition of his work.

Thirteen-year-old Alistair Robinson, a second year pupil at Galashiels Academy, was among more than 100 pupils honoured at the school’s Wider Achievement Awards on Thursday night.

He performs free of charge at his mum’s work, St Aidan’s Care Home, run by Brothers of Charity, in Gattonside.

The local musician, a member of Stow and Heriot Youth Pipe Band, was won with the main prize, the Parent Council Wider Achievement Award, after being nominated by the local community.

Proud mum Lainey Robinson, who is a member of the Parent Council and presented the silverware to her son, told the Border Telegraph: “I think it’s really important that the pupils are recognised for their achievements as it’s really inspiring for them and it’s confidence building. They are seeing what other people are achieving as well as themselves and it’s great.

“Alistair’s dad is the Pipe Major for the Scottish Borders Pipe Band so he got into it that way. He started off playing the chanter and now he’s on the pipes. He just does it on a voluntary basis, if it’s one of the resident’s birthdays or New Year, or Burns Night. I am really proud of him.” But she joked: “It must have been totally embarrassing for him to receive the prize from his mum.” Three other pupils shortlisted for the award were presented with Parent Council Wider Achievement Award Certificates.

They were: Charley Maben, who raised more than £2000 for Children in Need by having her head shaved; Jessica Kibble, who climbed Ben Nevis to reach her target for another charity, Alzheimer’s UK; and Jade Barry, who helped an old lady who fell in the street and stayed with her until an ambulance arrived.

However, Depute Head Teacher Iain Anderson congratulated the pupils on their achievement and pointed out they were all winners.

He said: “Although academic success is important and seen by many as the main goal of any educational establishment, it must always be remembered that it is not the only kind of success that benefits our young people and prepares them for future success and happiness.

“Galashiels Academy has always been held in high regard for its sporting achievements throughout the years. These are recognised and celebrated locally and nationally.

“What tends to be overlooked and forgotten are the personal achievements of so many other children and young people who are dedicated to a wide range of activities and other achievements such as youth work, volunteering, part-time employment, hobbies and interest, projects across the curriculum, their participation in the life of the school or helping care for a relative at home.

“As a result of these types of activities, young people are developing important skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work that can be of real value to them as they grow up and when it comes to getting a job or going to college or university.

“Such skills might include, for example, being responsible, being creative, time keeping, problem solving, planning, negotiating, and social and interpersonal skills - all of which are valuable in educational and work-related contexts.

“The young people also gain self confidence and self-belief in what they can achieve, increase individual motivation, promote a positive attitude, and develop the ability to manage, lead and take the initiative.” And he added: “An evening such as this is just one way in which we can make sure that our young people get full recognition for all their achievements - not just their exam results, and I would like to take this opporrtunity to give my congratulations to every one.” TD1 Youth Hub co-ordinator Douglas Ormiston was the guest speaker at the awards ceremony, which included music from Stow and Heriot Pipes and Drums School.

He highlighted the school’s links with the local community and praised the pupils for giving up their own time to help others.

Mr Ormiston said: “It can’t be easy because young people have a lot of pressures on them to do other things, a lot of time constraints with exams and so on. The fact that they have chosen to commit their time to voluntary opportunities, I think, is fantastic and they deserve all the recognition for their hard work.

“Small towns rely on a good community spirit and Galashiels wouldn’t be the town it is without these volunteers.” So many young stars had given up their time to help others that the Academy hall could not accommodate them all - with the school canteen, which neighbours the hall, having to be opened up to create extra seating space on the night.

Fourteen-year-old Liam Wheelan, who received an award for his work on local radio show Wired, said: “It’s actually really enjoyable, I’m enjoying it more than I thought.

“I thought it was a good place to start because I am hoping to be a radio presenter when I am older. It’s given me a lot more confidence.” When asked how difficult it was to juggle his studies with his radio work, the third year pupil added: “It’s not really that hard because I don’t really get homework and Wired is only one night a week so it’s easy to fit in.” For a full list of prizes awarded to Galashiels Academy pupils, pick up a copy of this week's Border Telegraph.