News release: 25th February 2011

Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale becomes Patron of prestigious

Diana Award

Scotland’s longest serving First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP has joined the Prime Minister David
Cameron as one of four patrons for the prestigious Diana Award scheme which was established in
1999, in memory of the Diana, Princess of Wales.

Lord McConnell, who was appointed a peer in June 2010, accepted his new role during a visit to
Menzies Distribution Centre in Linwood on Friday 25th February, where he met with previous award
winners. Menzies is the Diana Award’s new corporate partner in Scotland.

The Diana Award is a legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief in the power of young people to
change the world. The award is presented to young people – from all circumstances and sections of
society - who make a positive change to their communities, whether they are volunteers, fundraisers,
campaigners or carers.

Speaking at the event, Lord McConnell said: “It is a great honour to accept the position as Patron for
the Diana Award. There are thousands of youngsters in Scotland and across the rest of the UK who
make a terrific contribution to their school, family and community.

“The Diana Award recognises their efforts and hopefully inspires them to continue making a
contribution to society as adults. Diana, Princess of Wales believed that young people had the power
to change the world, and I am looking forward to working with the other patrons to encourage as
many young people as possible to play their part in creating a better society.”

The Diana Award is working in partnership with Menzies Distribution to issue information about the
award, raise the profile and increase nominations in Scotland. Over 3,000 young Scots have already
been recognised by the Diana Award for making an outstanding contribution to their communities. The
partnership will mean that more of Scotland’s outstanding young people will be celebrated.

Maggie Turner OBE and Chief Executive of the Diana Award, said: “We are delighted to welcome
Lord McConnell as Patron of the Diana Award. We are looking forward to working with Lord
McConnell and Menzies Distribution to firmly establish the Diana Award in Scotland. With a growing
network of 33,000 award holders nationwide, we are building a force of young people who are
committed to take social action and improve our communities.”
David McIntosh, Managing Director, Menzies Distribution said: “We are extremely proud to give our
support to the Diana Award. Menzies Distribution serves the newsagents and local stores which are
cornerstones of their communities. It seems only natural for us to help raise awareness of the young
people who make such great contributions to those same communities - contributions which are too
often overlooked.”

The Diana Award supports award holders through its unique alumni programme which harnesses the
compassion and commitment of these young people in achieving their full potential for themselves
and society through community projects.

- ends -

For more information or attendance please contact:

Vari Lambert on: 0207 484 0525

vari.lambert@diana-award.org.uk

www.diana-award.org.uk

Notes to the editor:

11.15am – 12pm Photo shoot and presentation with Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale

Address: Menzies Distribution, East Avenue, Phoenix Business Park, PAISLEY, PA1 2FD

The Diana Award has three award schemes; the Diana Award for inspiring individuals, the Diana
Anti-Bullying Award for young people who have tackled bullying and the Diana Certificate of
Excellence for groups of young people who have made an exceptional contribution to their
community.

Menzies Distribution is a leading player in the UK newspaper and magazine supply chain. We
provide marketing and distribution services to the publishing industry in locations across the country
and deliver to over 25,000 retail agents daily.

Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale

Party: Labour
Contact details: Westminster, House of Lords, London, SW1A 0PW Tel: 020 7219 5353