A LOCAL woman from Ochiltree has been shortlisted for a national award.

Amy Kinnaird, 82, has been listed in a national search by McCarthy and Stone to find and reward the UK’s most Colourful Characters over the age of 60.

Amy has seen off competition from the rest of the nation to be shortlisted by the prestigious award as a regional finalist.

The competition has been set up by the UK's leading retirement house builder McCarthy and Stone to find and reward people over the age of 60 for living life to the full, being young at heart and not letting their age be a barrier in any shape or form.

Amy, who lives in Ochiltree, is an active member of 'Opportunities in Retirement' in Ayr and regularly takes part in walks that range up to 5 miles. Amy is hoping this will make her stand out from the crowd in the eyes of the judges.

Amy said: “I have been a member of ‘Opportunities in Retirement’ in Ayr for over 20 years and it’s been absolutely fantastic. My favourite hobby is walking and the first thing I did when I joined OIR is sign up for their walking group – I actually led a walking group for 14 years. I’ve just returned from a holiday in Croatia with 53 OIY members and have another one planned for later this month in the Dunkeld.

“People assume that when you’re older you don’t expect very much, or want to do very much but that is definitely not the case. I’m 82 and physically feel great! I think it’s brilliant that so many people are redefining retirement and are getting out there doing things.”

Amy also has a passion for writing and has regularly submitted articles to the Scottish Women's Institute magazine.

She added: “I have always enjoyed writing and have had over 90 articles printed in SWI magazine over the years. I’ve even had three books printed in the last 10 years which is a massive achievement for me.

"I also volunteer once a week at Dumfries House in Cumnock as a Visitor Service Assistant and have done so for over seven years. The old saying ‘each day is a gift that’s why they call it the present’ is very true in my case.”

Rosemary Giovina, from McCarthy and Stone Scotland, said: “We meet Colourful Characters at our developments every day and want to highlight that life doesn’t end when you retire - it can be just as much fun, if not more! Retirees today are redefining what it means to grow old. They are independent, active individuals who are seeking new experiences and fulfilling lifelong ambitions, which is why we’re looking forward to rewarding our winner with a trip of lifetime courtesy of Saga Holidays.”

The regional winner will be announced after June 20, thereafter the national winner will be selected in August.