Hub worker named Scotland’s Employee of the Year

The Killie Community is celebrating after Hub Operations Lead, Scott Montgomery, was named Employee of the Year at the Scottish Charity Awards 2026.

Scott received the award during a celebratory evening at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow, where individuals and organisations from across Scotland’s voluntary sector were recognised for their impact in communities.

Hosted by Sally Magnusson and run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of the voluntary sector. This year’s shortlist featured 35 individuals and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country.

Scott’s award recognises an extraordinary journey from participant to staff member, and now to a leading role within The Killie Community.

After losing his son, Scott first came to The Killie Community Hub looking for support at one of the hardest points in his life. Since then, he has used his own lived experience to support others facing bereavement, recovery, poor mental health, physical health challenges and social isolation.

Now in his full-time role as Hub Operations Lead, Scott helps deliver programmes which support around 3,000 people each year across Ayrshire. His work spans inclusive community activity, health and wellbeing support, and practical help for people taking their first steps towards connection, confidence and progress.

Scott has also helped raise more than £17,000 through fundraising, further strengthening the charity’s ability to support people across Kilmarnock and the wider Ayrshire area.

His achievements, and the wider work of The Killie Community, have also been recognised in the Scottish Parliament, with a motion from Alan Brown MP congratulating Scott on his Employee of the Year award and acknowledging the charity’s work using the power of football to tackle poverty, improve health and wellbeing, support education and employability, and create stronger, more connected communities.

Scott said: “A few years ago, I walked through the doors of The Killie Community Hub looking for support at one of the hardest points in my life. I never imagined I’d be standing here today with a national award for Employee of the Year.

“This recognition means a huge amount to our charity and entire community, not just to me. It sends a powerful message to every person who is going through the toughest of times and looking for support, connection or hope from charities like ours. It shows that no matter how difficult life can become, there are always people willing to help you take that next step forward.

“I want to thank my incredible colleagues, our volunteers, partners and supporters who make this work possible every single day.”

Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “What a fantastic event to recognise the accomplishments of organisations and individuals throughout Scotland’s voluntary sector.

“Our finalists and winners are outstanding examples of the incredible impact made possible through the dedication of those who work and volunteer within charities, community organisations and social enterprises.

“They continue to champion important causes, deliver essential support and help create stronger, more vibrant communities.

“Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners – I’m already excited to see what 2027 has in store!”

Everyone at Kilmarnock FC and The Killie Community is incredibly pleased to see Scott’s resilience and commitment recognised on a national stage.