Inspiration Award 2024

The man who brought Pride celebrations to the island of Arran has been presented with Age Scotland’s Inspiration Award.

Before Michael Gettins set about organising the first Pride event in 2023, there was no obvious LGBTQ+ hub or scene on the island. But this year’s Pride drew more than 300 people along to take part and line the streets in support. As well as the parade, 27 local businesses took part in the Best Dressed Window competition, showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Ahead of the Pride events, Michael worked tirelessly to engage followers on social media through the Scottish and UK Pride network, encouraging them to recognise Arran as a warm and welcoming community. Young people on the island were ambassadors carrying flags and the parade was escorted by three e-bikes, highlighting the ambition to be greener, and mobility scooters for those with mobility issues to allow more older people to take part.

Michael, a member of Age Scotland’s LGBTQ+ Older People’s Group,  also sought to involve older people by attending local wellbeing cafes where he led workshops to ‘celebrate and educate’ on equality and inclusion, which he also runs in Arran High School.

As a busy tourist destination, and a popular spot for older people to move to in retirement, Michael recognised the need for community cohesion on Arran. He was keen to bring people together and alleviate the risk of isolation, mental ill health, addiction issues and suicide among LGBTQ+ communities.

Working together with a number of partner organisations, including local authorities, the health board, the Equality Network, Police Scotland, the Terence Higgins Trust and local businesses, Michael set about establishing Arran Pride for everyone.

It has fast become an annual fixture, bringing colour and vibrancy to the streets each summer, as well as a welcoming atmosphere.

Michael Gettins said:

“I am still fairly baffled at why my name would be submitted, let alone be considered or worse still anything like receive an Inspiration Award is still a puzzle.

 “In reality, I wake up each day wondering ‘who can I help today’ and have been blessed with many fantastic opportunities to bring my skills, experience, values and ambitions to some fruitful use!

“To be honest, I am incredibly humbled that people would think what I do is worthy of merit. I love working with people, I learn so much and thrive on making things a little better. I've always said, ‘I wish I could measure smiles’ and am delighted to say I have seen many and hope to see many more.”

Katherine Crawford, chief executive of Age Scotland, said:

“It gives me great pleasure to present Michael Gettins with this year’s Age Scotland Inspiration Award for establishing the vibrant Arran Pride.

“Michael created an event that is both inclusive and celebratory, and has brought the whole community together in support of LGBTQ+ people of all ages. In a very short time, Michael generated partnerships with a range of organisations to ensure that everyone feels welcome on the day, which has become a highlight of the island’s summer calendar.

“He put in extra effort to bring older people on board, by sharing his experiences and making older members of the LGBTQ+ community in Arran part of the parade.

“Congratulations to Michael, a very worthy winner of our Inspiration Award.”