Neil Gow

What do you do as a volunteer?

Firefighter; Coastguard; Community Council; Local newsletter; Local events.

What inspired you to volunteer?

Volunteers are essential in remote island and rural communities. I wanted to do my part.

What are the benefits to you and your community of volunteering?

The main benefit to me is experience. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn new skills and explore avenues that I might not have otherwise discovered.

As firefighter/coastguard, we do receive some payment for callouts (so technically we are auxiliaries rather than volunteers), but the unique experience is worth far more than money. The benefit to our community is a speedy emergency response on the island, rather than having to wait for help from elsewhere.

As community councillor, I have learned a great deal about how local government operates and the role provides networking opportunity with many organisations and bodies throughout the Highlands and Islands. The community benefit is having a team who can amplify the unique concerns of our island which might otherwise go overlooked. At present we are currently pursuing a major full-fibre internet project for the whole community.

My time editing the local newsletter helped me to develop research, writing, publishing and communication skills which have been incredibly beneficial for my studies. The community benefits from the provision of essential information, particularly for the many who don’t follow social media. The reporting of local activities also helps to enhance our sense of community, as well as keeping links with many of our extended community around the world.

What do you gain from it?

As well as gaining valuable experience and friendship, I have a healthier looking CV!

Why should other students try it too?

There is a great sense of fulfilment in volunteering, a huge range of experience to be gained, and it is important to remember that there is more learn in life than just our studies. Academic qualifications may be a requirement for an employment, but it can be the extra-curricular activities on your CV that grab employers’ attentions!

What impact has Covid-19 had on your role as a volunteer?

Covid-19 has been a challenge, with many volunteers finding their roles becoming more essential than ever. During the start of the pandemic we had a fantastic community effort with many volunteers stepping into roles that we had previously taken for granted, such as organising a continued food supply for the island! Over the last year, the local newsletter has helped to boost moral as people socially distance or are unable to visit, and the community council has had a whole new host of community concerns to pursue.