Dedicated James was given the prestigious accolade after he completed thirteen years of service in the Boys’ Brigade
13:08, 12 Jul 2025Updated 13:10, 12 Jul 2025
James Gribble was named as Barrhead’s young citizen of the year(Image: Supplied)
A Barrhead teen has been named young citizen of the year after overcoming “barriers” to win the prestigious award.
James Gribble, a member of the Barrhead Boys Brigade company, was given the accolade after the restarting of the young citizen of the year by award local MSPs Paul O’Kane and Blair McDougall, while being supported by East Renfrewshire Provost Mary Montague.
James has completed thirteen years of service in the Boys’ Brigade, achieved the group’s highest award this year, and been presented with the King’s Badge.
Having been praised for his “dedication” and “willingness” to go above and beyond for people, the East Renfrewshire teen has had his challenges in life that he has fought while working towards his King’s badge.
James has gained the accolade through his Boys’ Brigade involvement after completing 500 hours of volunteering at organisations such as Include Me 2 Club and East Renfrewshire Active Schools.
He is also in the process of qualifying as an SFA football referee, working with children and young adults with additional needs, and working towards an NVQ Sports Co-ordinators qualification at West Scotland College.
The 18-year-old hopes to become involved in sports for individuals with additional needs as a career.
Jim Glen, James’ company captain, said: “We are all so proud of James coming through the ranks and winning such an award.
“Also knowing another member of the company, Logan Jardine, was a runner up to James gives us all a boost and we have two young men to look up to in the coming years’.
Members of The Boys’ Brigade in the UK give over 75,000 hours to local groups and organisations such as hospices, residential homes, and charities.
A spokesperson for the Barrhead Boys’ Brigade Company said: “Gaining awards is not new for James. Two years ago, I first met James and his mum when he was presented with the President’s Badge – the second highest award in the Boys’ Brigade.
“He was an amazing young man then who has gone on to gain East Renfrewshire’s Young Volunteer of the Year in 2024. We are indeed so proud of this young man and the example he is setting to other young people”.
Don’t miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here