Two neighbouring communities in Wester Ross have plenty to celebrate with local organisations achieving the prestigious national business award - Investors in People (IiP). Lochcarron Camanachd, the local shinty team has scored an important goal becoming the first volunteer club in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area to achieve IiP and in another first, the Strathcarron Post Office is the first rural post office in Scotland to receive the accolade.

Chairwoman of Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) Sally Cartwright presented the award to Lochcarron Camanachd president George Hendry on their home ground - the Battery Park, Lochcarron - ahead of Saturday's (Saturday 17th November) match.

He said: "This is a great honour for the club. We have been competing now for over a century and have scooped a wide variety of awards, but none that recognises the dedication and determination of our large team of volunteer staff. The IiP programme helped us focus on our objectives and bring volunteer staff more directly into the overall planning process."

IiP is a national initiative that encourages organisations to develop staff skills in line with business planning. It is managed in Wester Ross by Local Enterprise Company RACE. In the Highlands and Islands only three team sports organisations have achieved IiP status including Ross County Football Club and Skye Camanachd.

Lochcarron Camanachd are a major sporting focus in the area, with match day support often exceeding 200 people, a quarter of the local community.

The club has two teams in the Marine Harvest Shinty Leagues and also boasts two international players, capped for Scotland in the annual shinty-hurling match against Ireland. Younger players have also carved out a national name for themselves representing Scotland's Under 21's team.

Mr Hendry added: "We recognise the key to future success lies in a commitment to youth development. We have been selected by Sportscotland to participate in a pan-Scotland youth development programme which will help us nurture talent from a young age."

The club currently also offers local boys and girls weekly coaching from the age of eight and has under-16, under-14 and under-12 teams competing in both local and county competitions.

RACE chairwoman Sally Cartwright said: "This is a great achievement for a club that is no stranger to awards. It acknowledges and demonstrates the tremendous commitment that has been made by volunteer staff to the long-term development of the club and its players."

Lib Dems leader and local MP, Charles Kennedy handed the IiP plaque to Strathcarron postmaster Roger Cundiff. As well as Roger, there are two part-time staff employed at the Strathcarron post office along with three postmen.

Roger said: "We are all pleased and proud to have achieved this recognition and it has only been possible through the efforts of all the staff to create an effective team."