Winners of Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2026

The winners of Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2026 have been revealed.

The winners of Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2026 have been revealed. 

Finalists, councillors, sponsors and guests gathered at Meldrum House Hotel on Wednesday evening to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations across Aberdeenshire.

Provost of Aberdeenshire Judy Whyte co-hosted this year’s event alongside MC Chris Harvey and said the nominations across the awards had been outstanding.

Participating in the presentations were Co-Leaders councillors Stewart Adams and Anne Stirling, Education and Children’s Services chair Cllr David Keating, Infrastructure Services Committee chair Cllr Alan Turner and Chief Executive Jim Savege.

Provost Whyte said: “Inspiring Aberdeenshire has once again shone a light on the incredible people who make our communities such special places to live, work and thrive.

“Every year, these awards remind us of the kindness, commitment and community spirit that exists across Aberdeenshire. They celebrate people who go above and beyond, not for recognition, but because they genuinely care about making a difference.

“This year’s winners represent the very best of that spirit. Whether they are supporting others, protecting our heritage and culture, or giving their time to help those around them, they have made a lasting impact on their communities.

“Their dedication, generosity and selflessness are truly inspiring. Through their efforts, they have strengthened community life across Aberdeenshire and made a positive difference to countless people.”

Civic Pride Award
Winners: Inverurie Environmental Group based in Inverurie
Finalists: Friends of the Haughs based in Turriff; Invercairn Community Council based in Inverallochy

Heart of Aberdeenshire Caring Award
Winner: Kelly O’Brien from Peterhead
Finalists: Rachel Clark from Ellon; Men in Mind based in  Ellon/Inverurie/Haddo/Fraserburgh Yogi & Cindy Bears based in Newtonhill

Inspirational Volunteer Award
Winner: Marie Cheyne from Cairnbulg
Finalists: Helen Feeney from Maud; Rose Logan from Turriff

Local Hero Courage Award
Winner: Avril Bruce from Banff
Finalists: Karen Stewart from Aboyne; Katie Innes from Fetterangus

Young Community Hero Award
Winner: Chloe Crossman from Peterhead
Finalists: Ellie Wight from Drumoak; Steven Lewington from Pitmedden; Portlethen Academy Pupil Volunteers (Elliot, Forbes, Lucy, Olivia & Sam)

Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Colin Allanach from Ellon
Finalists: David Urquhart from Portsoy; Lorna Keith from Ellon

This year’s Inspiring Aberdeenshire charity partner is A Bear Named Buttony, which supports children and young people living with a stoma by providing comfort, reassurance and practical support. Find out more at: https://www.buttonybear.org.uk/ opens in a new tab  

Without the generous support of our sponsors, none of this could have happened:

•    BP – sponsoring Lifetime Achievement Award
•    FES OCS – sponsoring Inspirational Volunteer Award
•    Hub North Scotland – sponsoring Young Community Hero Award
•    Instock – sponsoring Civic Pride Award
•    Hosie Electrical – sponsoring Local Hero Courage Award
•    Mark Murphy Dole – sponsoring Heart of Aberdeenshire Caring Award

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