Portstewart man Robert Wilson from Portstewart received the award for services to education and said he was “truly humbled when I learned of this honour.” "I have had 43 years serving schools and the wider educational arena and at each stage I didn’t see my work as a job, but rather a way of life,” he added. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NorthernIrelandWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Brought up on a farm in Islandmagee, Robert’s mother was principal of Mullaghdubh Primary School. He said: “Education was part of my growing up with school life intertwined with farming and family.” Robert’s interest in natural, historical and cultural heritage began as a child living on a farm and has continued over a long period.
He believes that the cultural, historic and natural environments are inextricably linked and believes that a sustainable future must incorporate a focus on economic opportunities for local residents and communities. For many years Robert’s love of education, youth opportunity and the natural environment saw him volunteer and lead groups of young people exploring the Antrim Hills through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Between 2016- 2020 he served as a member of the Historic Monuments Council.
He continues to explore much of the Causeway Coast and Glens area on his bicycle. An active Board Member of Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, he contributes within a dedicat.