The late Brian Brown, former chair of ENABLE Scotland’s North Ayrshire Branch, has been awarded a posthumous award for Outstanding Achievement by the country’s largest charity for people who have learning disabilities.

Kilwinning man Brian had been involved with ENABLE Scotland for more than 40 years.

He joined the North Ayrshire Branch because he had a younger brother who had a disability, and who was in a long stay hospital at Lynnburn in Fife. For years Brian travelled there on public transport to visit him.

His service to people who have learning disabilities saw him working with several branches across North Ayrshire before they amalgamated.

Brian’s passion for the charity led him to become involved with ENABLE Scotland at national as well as branch level.

His award was picked up by fellow volunteer and long-time friend Harry Robertson, who works with the charity’s Cumbernauld Branch.

Harry said: “Brian is sorely missed by the North Ayrshire branch, the ENABLE Scotland family, and by me. We spent many a time discussing the issues of the day, and Brian was never afraid to put across his point in plain and simple language.

“He was a driving force behind the development of the charity and led the way in developing support for issues such as the plight of older carers.”

Brian was involved in local politics and used his network of contacts to help people who had learning disabilities and their families. He led the branch in campaigning and fundraising for issues such as building houses so people who had learning disabilities could lead more independent lives.

More recently he became an advocate for older carers to prepare emergency action plans for their loved ones.

When he had time to devote to other things, Brian was also an avid Rangers FC fan and was a season ticket holder. He was also heavily involved with the Iona Community.

Current chair of the North Ayrshire branch, Julie Carruth, said: “Brian was the life and soul of this branch for decades. He fought tirelessly to make life that much better for people who had learning disabilities and their families.

“He was an example and inspiration to us all, and was responsible for getting people to support the branch.

“That is something that is really important to us, as the Branch cannot work without the support of people willing to give up some time to help people who have learning disabilities.

“We’re always on the lookout for people to join, although they don’t need to devote as much time as Brian.

“If anyone can spare a few hours to help, or is interested in finding out more about learning disability, we would like to hear from them.

“They could carry on Brian’s work and help make Scotland an equal society for every person who has a learning disability.”

For details, contact Julie Carruth, chair of ENABLE North Ayrshire on 01294 282532.