Tag: nominations open

Celebrate Edinburgh’s heroes: Nominate a fundraiser for the 2026 JustGiving Awards

Edinburgh ranked as one of the hotspots for charity fundraising in 2026

Edinburgh has been named as one of the UK’s biggest hotspots for fundraising, according to data from JustGiving.

In the first three months of 2026, Edinburgh came in at number six in the list of places with the most individuals undertaking fundraising challenges for good causes*, up four places from the end of 2025.

Manchester tops the list, holding steady from last quarter, with Glasgow in 2nd place and Bristol in 3rd, with Nottingham and Newcastle completing the top five. 

The list has been compiled by JustGiving, the UK’s largest fundraising platform for charitable giving, to mark the launch of the 2026 JustGiving Awards, which looks to celebrate remarkable people up and down the country raising money for causes close to their hearts.

Edinburgh is a city of runners according to the data, with running and marathons proving the most popular vehicles for fundraising in 2026 so far, with causes like MND care, cancer care and poverty relief driving the most donations among locals.

The 2026 JustGiving Awards are now open for nominations, with members of the public invited to put forward inspiring fundraisers from across the UK. The awards celebrate remarkable individuals, families and groups who have gone above and beyond to raise money for a charity or personal cause over the past 18 months. 

Finalists will be shortlisted before going forward to a public vote later this year. The awards aim to shine a spotlight on the stories of generosity, determination and community spirit that continue to inspire people across the country.

Michael and Andrew Cole were finalists in the 2025 JustGiving Awards Stronger Together category. Andrew pushed his 73-year-old father, Michael, who is living with MND, around the 2025 Edinburgh Marathon in a specially adapted wheelchair, raising over £5,800 for MND Scotland.

Pascale Harvie, President and General Manager of JustGiving, said: “Every year, the JustGiving Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate some of the most inspiring fundraisers in communities like Edinburgh.

“With more than one million fundraising pages created on JustGiving last year, there is no shortage of incredible individuals, families, groups, and even pets, going above and beyond for the causes closest to their hearts. 

“Last year, the public submitted 18,000 nominations, shining an important light on the fundraisers whose generosity, determination and impact continue to inspire people across the world. We cannot wait to see who they put forward this year.”

Nominations will be open for just over three weeks, closing on 10 May. To nominate a JustGiving fundraiser who has inspired you, click here. To find out more about last year’s inspiring award winners, click here.

Top ten fundraising hotspots – Quarter 1, 2026 (change from previous quarter in brackets)*:

1. Manchester (non-mover)

2. Glasgow (Up 2)

3. Bristol (Down 1)

4. Nottingham (Down 1)

5. Newcastle (Up 1)

6. Edinburgh (Up 4)

7. Leeds (Down 2)

8. Sheffield (Up 4)

9. London (Down 2)

10. Plymouth (Up 3)

*based on number of fundraising pages created on the JustGiving platform between 1 January – 31 March 2026, weighted by population according to ONS data

20 Years of civic pride: nominations open for Edinburgh Award 2026  

The capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for this year opening today (Monday 9 March).

Now in its 20th year, the Edinburgh Award continues to recognise exceptional individuals whose achievements have not only brought distinction to the city but have helped shape Edinburgh’s future as a global capital of ideas, culture, innovation and compassion.

Since its inception in 2007, the Award has honoured individuals whose work has left a lasting legacy. From acclaimed artists and pioneering scientists to sporting heroes and social changemakers, each recipient has helped put Edinburgh on the national and international map. Their handprints are permanently cast into the flagstones outside the City Chambers, a lasting tribute at the heart of the capital.

In 2025, the Edinburgh Award was presented to Ali Bowden, the first Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature who, whilst in her role, created a diverse and engaging range of projects and programmes to enhance our literary city and played a key role in connecting Edinburgh with other literary cities around the world.

Edinburgh has four weeks to nominate for the 2026 award, before a recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge has urged individuals and businesses to nominate: “The Edinburgh Award gives us a chance to honour the individuals whose work and achievements continue to make Edinburgh the extraordinary city we all know and love.

“I am continually inspired by the way Edinburgh’s people support one another, and this award reflects that community spirit.

“As we mark the 20th Edinburgh Award this is an opportunity to not only reflect on the outstanding individuals who have shaped our past but also to recognise those whose work is influencing our future.

“I encourage everyone to consider who inspires them, who goes above and beyond to make Edinburgh stronger, fairer, more innovative and has made a difference to our city and please submit a nomination.”

Nominations open today Monday 9 March and close at 12 noon on Friday 10 April 2026.

To find out more and submit nomination please visit our website.

Inspiring Volunteer Awards

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

We are delighted to announce that we have now opened the nominations for this year’s Inspiring Volunteer Awards 2026

These awards celebrate the amazing people and groups who volunteer in Edinburgh. 

Do you know someone or a team who deserves an award? You can nominate them! We want to celebrate as many volunteers as possible. 
 

Every volunteer who is nominated gets a certificate. Some lucky nominees will be invited to collect theirs at a special ceremony with Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and others will get theirs by post. 
 

The ceremony will take place on Tuesday 2 June during Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June) at Edinburgh City Chambers. 
 

Who can be nominated? 

  • Volunteers must live or volunteer in Edinburgh 
  • They must be at least 11 years old 
  • They must have volunteered for at least six months 
  • Previous winners cannot be nominated again 

You can nominate individuals, teams, or for special awards. Fill in the online form here: voled.in/nominations. 
 

Special Recognition Awards 

  • Arts, Culture & Heritage Volunteer – helps with arts, museums, theatre, or heritage projects 
  • Charity Shop Volunteer – works in charity shops with customers, tills, or donations 
  • Digital Volunteer – helps with social media, websites, IT, or marketing 
  • Environment/Conservation Volunteer – works outdoors, gardens, or teaches about nature 
  • Fundraising Volunteer – helps raise money for a charity or organisation 
  • Health & Social Care Volunteer – supports people in the community to improve health and wellbeing 
  • Long-Standing Contribution Award – someone who has volunteered 10 years or more 
  • Sports Volunteer – supports sports and active lifestyles in the community 
  • Team of the Year – a group of volunteers who have worked together to make a big difference 
  • Trustee Volunteer – someone who helps lead a charity or community group 
  • Young Volunteer – for volunteers aged 11–25 showing great dedication 

Lord Provost Awards 

  • Paul Bennett Volunteer Manager Award – for volunteer managers who go above and beyond to support volunteers 
  • Ian McInnes Award for Inclusion and Diversity – for individuals or organisations that champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in volunteering 
  • Inspiring Volunteer of the Year 
    All individual nominations are considered for this top award. Judges look at commitment, impact, and dedication. The winner will be chosen by the Lord Provost. Past winners are added to the Honour Board at City Chambers. 

Thank you for helping us celebrate the incredible volunteers in Edinburgh! 

For more information, contact Jason McCann at Volunteer Edinburgh: 

Phone: 0131 561 8310 

Email: events@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk 

Good Luck!

Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign

For 12 days in the lead up to Christmas the specialist financial services group is giving £1,000 to ten charities each day – with 120 charities in total benefitting from a festive financial boost.

Nominations are now open, and residents in Edinburgh are being encouraged to nominate a cause they care about to give them a chance of receiving a share of the award money.

Draws will take place every weekday between 1st – 16th December and nominating is easy using the online form at www.movementforgood.com. Winners are drawn at random with every charity nominated in with a chance of winning a vital donation this Christmas.

Last year two Edinburgh-based charities received £1,000 in the draw. Central Leith After School Provision and Scottish Wildlife Trust were selected following nominations from kind-hearted members of the public.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We’re delighted to be giving away another £120,000 in valuable donations to causes around the country. We know that charities across the country are struggling, and for many the festive season is a critical time. We’re asking residents to take a few minutes of their time to nominate a cause they especially care about.

“Owned by a charity, Benefact Group gives all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

Benefact Group has donated over £250million to charitable causes since 2014 and last year was recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK1 over the last decade.

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Forth Awards open nominations for local heroes

FORTH AWARDS OPEN NOMINATIONS FOR LOCAL HEROES 

Jack ‘O’ Bryan, Best Restaurant at The Forth Awards 2023

CELEBRATE THE VERY BEST OF EDINBURGH MAKING A DIFFERENCE ACROSS EDINBURGH, LOTHIANS, FIFE AND FALKIRK

Nominate local heroes now via https://bit.ly/FORTHAWARDS25

Pic Greg Macvean 14/11/2024 Forth Awards 2024 – Usher Hall

The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, has opened nominations for its local hero awards, aiming to celebrate the very best of Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk.

The star-studded ceremony will return to the Capital’s Usher Hall on 13th November 2025, with awards and performances from huge names in the entertainment world. 

Now, Forth 1 and Greatest Hits Radio listeners are being encouraged to recognise individuals and organisations in their community that go the extra mile – from the best teachers, restaurants and workplaces as well as the Forth Cash for Kids award. 

Submit nomination via www.forth1.com – submissions open until 20th August 2025 

The nominees will join celebrities being honoured at the ceremony later this year, with previous winners including the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Susie McCabe, Nathan Evans and more. Local hero winners in the past have included selfless teachers who have gone above and beyond for their classes, local kids fundraising for charities or committing small acts of kindness, and family-run businesses and restaurants. 

Communities across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk are now encouraged to submit friends, families and colleagues for the six local hero awards with trophies up for grabs for including best restaurant, best teacher, workplace, visitor attraction, local hero and the traditional Cash for Kids Award.

Listeners are also in with a chance of winning tickets to the Forth Awards ceremony itself if they submit a nomination. 

Pic Greg Macvean 14/11/2024 Forth Awards 2024 – Usher Hall

Richie Jeffrey, Commercial Events Manager, Hits Radio said: “Every year The Forth Awards celebrate the local heroes that do so much for their communities across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk.

“From young kids fundraising for local charities, to workplaces who go over and above to support their staff, and teachers who make a real difference to the lives of the children in their class, there’s countless stories of local people worth recognising.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating these local heroes alongside some of the biggest stars from the entertainment world at the Usher Hall in November, alongside our sponsors Livingston Designer Outlet.”

To nominate friends, family, colleagues and businesses, click here.

The Forth Awards 2025 include: 

The Forth Best Artist Award with Victor Paris

The Forth Best Restaurant Award with Saltire

The Forth Contribution to Music Award with The Liquid Room

The Forth Icon Award with The Edinburgh Playhouse

The Forth Fringe Award with Watermans

The Forth Cash for Kids Award with Newtown Décor

The Forth Best Teacher Award with Omni Shopping

The Forth Best Workplace Award with Fuse

The Forth Visitor Attraction Award

The Forth Local Hero Award 

Honour Lothian’s heroes of the High Street

2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards launched – including search to find the nation’s Town of the Year. Could that community be yours?

People across Lothian are being urged to celebrate their heroes of the high street.

Nominations have opened for the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards, celebrating the people and organisations who make communities better places to live, work and visit.

As part of the awards, residents across Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian are being encouraged to nominate those they would like to see crowned High Street Hero for the Lothian region.

That accolade last year went to eco warrior Jim Allan, of Bathgate (top), an influential force in West Lothian Litter Pickers and its work to clear hundreds of tonnes of rubbish from the region’s streets and spaces.

People can also put their home area forward for national accolades including Town of the Year.

The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign encouraging people to back enterprises and organisations in their communities.

STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “Every day, people and organisations go above and beyond to make their communities better and I’ve been lucky to meet a few of them and see what brilliant work they do. The impact of that determination to make a difference should never be underestimated.

“The Scotland Loves Local Awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward that success, celebrating collective and individual achievements. They are a fantastic way to say a special thank-you.”

The awards highlight the innovation and collaboration which will make towns and neighbourhoods stronger and more sustainable.

Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards highlight the innovation and collaboration which will make towns and neighbourhoods stronger and more sustainable.

The categories nationally are:

  • Town of the Year
  • Most Enterprising Community
  • Place Leader of the Year

Eight High Street Hero Awards will also be presented – one in each of the Scottish Parliament electoral regions – recognising a person or organisation who make life better in their area.

Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards, where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.

The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Wednesday, August 30th 2025. Finalists will be announced in September with presentations made to winners in October. A special reception will take place in Edinburgh in November.

Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local. This is the fifth year in which the awards have been held.

Scots encouraged to nominate a charity to receive share of £1 million

BENEFACT GROUP’S MOVEMENT FOR GOOD AWARDS IS BACK

The Movement for Good Awards, spearheaded by the Benefact Group, is set to donate over £1 million to charities up and down the country this year. Now in its seventh year, this transformative initiative invites residents in Scotland to nominate their favourite charities for a chance to receive a donation of £1,000. 

Scottish residents can make a nomination at www.movementforgood.com – a simple act that could have a lasting impact. Winners will be drawn at random, and the initiative will also feature special sector-specific draws, with charities able to secure larger grants of £5,000. The timetable for these draws is available on the website, with winners announced throughout the year. 

The Movement for Good Awards has donated over £6 million to charities in the UK and Ireland since the initiative started in 2019. The Bonnymuir Green Community Trust in Aberdeen, Dundee Industrial Heritage in Dundee, East Ayrshire Women’s Aid in Kilmarnock and All Bullie Charity Rescue in Glasgow are some of the causes in Scotland that have previously benefitted from the funding thanks to more than 70,000 nominations from the public. 

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “Benefact Group is a family of award-winning specialist financial services companies and the third largest corporate donor to charity in the UK.

“Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. All of our available profits go to good causes and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give. 

“We are delighted to be able to donate over £1million to good causes each year through our Movement for Good Awards and are grateful to all our supporters, including the customers of the trusted insurer, Ecclesiastical, and the responsible and sustainable asset manager, EdenTree.

“Our Movement for Good Awards help charities change lives for the better and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference.”

The Benefact Group – a family of award-winning financial services companies – has donated over £230 million to charitable causes since 2014 and was recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK last year.1.With a goal to reach £250 million by 2025, the organisation is committed to ensuring its profits drive positive change.

Nominations are open now at www.movementforgood.com. The more nominations a charity receives, the greater its chance of being selected – so share the link with your loved ones and get involved! 

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Who are Edinburgh’s hospitality heroes?

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2024

Do you know the Best Cocktail Bar in Edinburgh or perhaps an amazing Dog Friendly Pub that treats your pooch like a princess? If so, why not get voting for them in this year’s Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2024?

Last year the standard of entrants was at an all-time high and Edinburgh knocked it out of the park with winners including Hey Palu who won Cocktail Bar of the Year, Black Ivy who were voted Best Outside Area and Colin Hinds of the Tipsy Midgie who took home both Whisky Bar of the Year and the Whisky Guru gongs!

So, this year organisers can’t wait to hear about your Edinburgh favourites!

Voting has just opened, and the organisers are looking for a host of fine establishments including new bars on the block, the best whisky bars for a dram, Irish bars with all the craic and even stunning outside areas!

In fact, they want to hear about all about bars that are the talk of the town, the legendary locals and even the magnificent mixologists across the country!

It’s not just all about pubs though.  They also want to know about the real characters that make the licensed trade shine in Scotland such as whisky gurus, up and coming entrepreneurs and the bar managers that are taking the industry by storm.

Schweppes are even looking for a ‘Bartender of the Year’ – someone who stands out from the crowd and goes that extra mile for their customers. Bobby the Barman need not apply!

They have to be in it to win it, and you can give them that chance!

This is the 29th year for Scotland’s longest running licensed trade awards and judges will be travelling the length and breadth of Scotland on mystery visits. So, if you know somewhere or someone that deserves a big pat on the back, it’s time to get voting for them!

Voting is easy, just go to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com/awards/ and you can vote in as many different categories as you like. Voting closes on the 16th of June, finalists will be announced shortly after, and the winners will be crowned at the glittering award ceremony in Glasgow on the 27th of August.

You can also find a full list of all categories here including Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year, Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of The Year, Cold Town Craft Beer Bar of The Year, Jameson Best Irish Bar, Kopparberg New Bar of the Year, Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year, Sims Automatics Sports Bar of The Year and the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality.

Deadline for Nominations – 16th June 2024

For a full list of this years categories and to vote please go to: 

www.scottishbarandpubawards.com/awards/

Or vote by emailing: entryspba@mediaworldltd.com and tell us your nominations and why they should win.

Follow us online:

https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/ https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/

Nominations open for the 2024 Cllr Awards

Nominations open for the 2024 Cllr Awards

Do you know a councillor whose unwavering dedication deserves national recognition? Nominations are now open for the 2024 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Cllr Awards – the only ceremony that celebrates the outstanding contributions of councillors across England, Wales, and Scotland.

The Cllr Awards shine a light on the achievements of local elected representatives who have made a tangible impact in their communities. Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the illustrious Guildhall in London while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the esteemed City Chambers in Edinburgh this winter. 

The 2024 Cllr Awards feature five categories: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend.

Nominations are open to anyone – whether you’re a member of the public, a fellow councillor, or a council officer – who wishes to acknowledge a councillor’s exceptional commitment to improving their community and achieving remarkable results over the past year.

Submitting a nomination is free and takes just seven minutes. Applicants must provide details about the nominated councillor, outlining why they deserve recognition and how their initiatives have positively impacted the community.

Nominations close on Friday 13 September 2024, and the shortlisted candidates will be announced in the autumn.

Once again this year, the awards will also shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of councillors from around the world through the Global Local Cllr Showcase. This special presentation celebrates councillors worldwide whose projects, engagement, and representation have made a significant difference in the communities they serve.

For more information and to submit your nomination, please visit the official website.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “The LGIU is proud to once again host the annual Cllr Awards, paying tribute to our locally elected representatives and sharing examples of the innovation and dedication our councillors demonstrate day in day out.

“Local communities rely on councillors, whose positive contributions impact our daily lives in many ways, from maintaining streets to funding community projects, shaping the character of our towns.

“Often working tirelessly behind the scenes, elected members frequently go unnoticed by many, making the Cllr Awards essential in highlighting their invaluable work in 2024.

“We eagerly anticipate a wave of nominations this year and look forward to hearing the remarkable stories behind them. These awards are made possible through the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.”

Entries open for VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards

Scottish businesses championing sustainability are in the spotlight as entries open for the 2024 VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Now in their 25th year, the VIBES awards encourage businesses to show vision and leadership in tackling climate change and other environmental challenges. They also aim to enhance environmental performance and showcase those supporting the wider social and economic benefits of sustainability.

The opening of the competition was marked at the Scottish Parliament last night (Wednesday 28th February 2024), where the outstanding achievements of last year’s winners were applauded by attendees including industry leaders and MSPs. An address was also given by Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero, and Energy. 

Previous winners showcased included ReBlade, a Glasgow and Dumfries based company demonstrating how turbine blades can be dealt with responsibly. Through research and evidence, ReBlade prove that wind energy generation waste can be repurposed, confirming economic viability in decommissioning windfarms sustainably.

Fiona Lindsay, Managing Director at ReBlade said: “Businesses and organisations are increasingly being asked to demonstrate positive environmental impact, and rightly so.

“The way we do business has a huge impact on the world around us, and it makes good business sense to interrogate processes and operations to minimise environmental and climate impacts. For ReBlade taking part in the VIBES awards has been a wholly positive experience and I’d definitely encourage other businesses to consider applying.”

The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between multiple organisations including the SEPA, the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, and Zero Waste Scotland. VIBES is also supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Scotch Whisky Association, Bright Green Business and Prosper.

Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of SEPA, added: “As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, we innovate, collaborate and drive collective action to help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable nation.

“It is truly inspiring to see the achievements of these businesses towards a sustainable future. Their commitment is not only commendable but serves as a beacon for others in the business community to embrace environmentally responsible and innovative practices.

“We know there are many more businesses on the frontline of the net zero transition, continually demonstrating their unwavering commitment. The VIBES awards prove their efforts matter, and I would strongly urge as many of them as possible to enter this year and receive the recognition they deserve.”

Categories open for entries this year include the Vision in Business Scotland Award for companies that clearly set out their strategy, policies, and systems that enable continuous sustainability improvements and contribute to Scotland’s net zero carbon ambition.

Judging will take place over the summer, with a shortlist confirmed in September and the winners revealed at a ceremony in November.