A Dalgety Bay resident scooped the Leader of the Year title at a recent ScotRail Alliance employee awards ceremony.

Kenny Blythe, a local operations manager in Edinburgh, received the accolade at the second annual Your Recognition Awards. The event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on Saturday (19 November) and hosted by radio presenter and DJ, Gina McKie, celebrated staff achievements throughout the year and was attended by 210 ScotRail Alliance employees and guests. Blythe, who has worked in the railway for 33 years and was honoured with the title for his understated, yet very effective leadership qualities. Kenny’s ability to influence, challenge and direct his team successfully on a daily basis made him a worthy winner of the award.

He said: “I would really like to thank my manager for the nomination, I’m really proud to have won.

“Although I don’t consider myself to be an outstanding leader, I consider myself proud to have an outstanding team around me – we are one team.”

Phil Verster, Managing Director of the ScotRail Alliance said: “Our people are vital in making sure our railway works so it is right that those who work tirelessly and give so much to our industry every single day are deservedly recognised. I wish to offer all our winners a huge congratulations and thank everyone for their tremendous work.

“There are over seven thousand people who work extremely hard day and night, and in all weather conditions to keep Scotland’s railway running. And together they are playing their part in making a huge contribution to people’s lives, helping to connect communities and build the country’s economy.

“I’m proud to have Kenny represent the ScotRail Alliance, as he sets a great example for other employees. It’s great to get the chance to say thank you to a deserving winner, and to recognise him for his efforts.”

The 2016 Employee of the Year and Team of the Year, and several other ‘Outstanding Contribution’ awards, were also presented on the night.

As well as celebrating staff achievements, fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK was a key focus of the evening and guests dug deep to raise almost £3,000 for the charity. Steve Frost, Head of Corporate Partnerships for Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated at the Recognition Awards.

“We are grateful for the continued support we have received this year, with over £10,000 being raised by rail employees.

“The money will help us fund pioneering research projects across Scotland, and to bring much-needed treatments and preventions for dementia ever closer.”