nominations – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Applications open for Scottish Charity Awards 2026

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for voluntary organisations and the people who work and volunteer in Scotland’s voluntary sector to apply for its annual Scottish Charity Awards.

Now in its 20th year, the Scottish Charity Awards are designed to celebrate the best of the voluntary sector, and to highlight the incredible organisations, inspiring people and innovative projects that have made an immeasurable difference to the communities they support over the past year.

Applications are now being accepted for 2026, with SCVO placing particular importance on hearing from voluntary organisations and people that reflect the diversity of Scotland’s essential voluntary sector.

All registered charities, social enterprises, campaigning groups, community interest companies and people who work and volunteer in these spaces are eligible to enter.

Last year saw the success of attempts to make the awards simpler and more accessible to as many people and organisations as possible.

There are nine award categories at the Scottish Charity Awards. Six recognise the achievements of organisations, and three recognise individuals.

The award categories are Small Charity of the Year (turnover under £100k), Medium Charity of the Year (turnover £100-500k), Large Charity of the Year (turnover over £500k), Trustee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Employee of the Year, Partnership of the Year, Campaign of the Year, and Climate Impact; with the winners to be decided by a panel of judges. For 2026 organisations can only make one application across all categories.

SCVO received an overwhelming response last year with hundreds of applications, and hopes that even more organisations will be inspired to apply this year.

This year, SCVO will be bringing its celebratory awards ceremony, hosted by Sally Magnusson, to Glasgow’s Radisson Blu on 11 June.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “Each year, the Scottish Charity Awards stand out as a real highlight for me.

“Across Scotland – and far beyond – voluntary organisations are transforming lives in countless ways, and it’s impossible not to be moved by both the scale of their impact and the diversity of their work.

“Past finalists and winners often share how meaningful it is to receive recognition on a national stage. We also take care each year to refine and refresh the awards, ensuring they remain timely and relevant.

“Whether you’re a small grassroots group powered entirely by volunteers, a large national charity, or anything in between, there’s a place for you. Don’t hold back — put forward a nomination or submit an entry for this year’s awards.”

Applications are open until 12 noon on Tuesday, 17 March 2025 and can be completed on the SCVO website: scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/apply.

NHS Lothian Staff Recognised as Finalists in RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025

Four NHS Lothian nurses and a nursing team have been named as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025, which celebrate excellence and dedication in nursing across Scotland.

Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director – Acute Services, has been shortlisted for the Clinical Leadership Award for her person-centred approach and leadership of key initiatives such as the 5-year Nursing and Midwifery Strategy and inclusive career programmes.

Stacey Boyle, Midwife, and Marianne Hay, Senior Charge Midwife, are finalists for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award for their innovative Cozy Cuddle Scrubs—designed to support skin-to-skin contact between birth partners and newborns.

Kath Williamson, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist in Bariatric Care, is also a finalist for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award and has been recognised for her pioneering research to improve care for people with severe obesity, including those who are housebound.

The South East Forensic Healthcare Team have been shortlisted for the Nursing Team of the Year Award for delivering trauma-informed care to vulnerable individuals in the justice system, including public health, addiction, and mental health support.

Scott Taylor, Co-Chair of the Scottish Learning Disability Lead Nurse Group, has also been recognised for his outstanding leadership in advancing learning disability nursing in Scotland.

Alongside Kerry Anderson, he has championed improved clinical practice, influenced national policy, and raised awareness of the health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities—leaving a lasting impact on both the workforce and patient care.

Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director at NHS Lothian, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate all our staff who have been shortlisted for an award.

“Being named as a finalist is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the outstanding care, compassion, and dedication our nurses bring to their patients every single day.

“I’m incredibly proud of them all and wish each of them the very best of luck.”

Winners will be announced at the ceremony on 12 June 2025.

Find out more at: rcn.org.uk/ScotAwards

Stories of inspiring young women sought

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its ninth annual 30 Under 30 list.

The list was established in 2016 to address the lack of diverse representation on other 30 Under 30 lists. It seeks to celebrate young women, girls and non-binary people in Scotland who are making change in their lives, communities or in society. Each year since its launch, the list has showcased some of Scotland’s most inspiring young artists, activists, carers, volunteers and trail-blazers from across the country.

Nominations can be submitted until Monday 1^st July at youngwomenscot.org/30-under-30, where more information can also be found. Self-nominations are also welcomed, and The Young Women’s Movement is hoping to see stories from a wide range of age groups, parts of Scotland and areas of life.

Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women’s Movement, said: ‘In a climate of increased misogynistic rhetoric and challenging times for young women, our annual 30 Under 30 campaign is a much needed chance to celebrate and recognise the positive impact that young women, girls and non-binary people are having across Scotland.

“Young women are at the heart of everything we do at The Young Women’s Movement, and it is a privilege to once again hear and celebrate the incredible impact that they have in their communities and in society through this project.’

Search for local heroes to help celebrate 25 years of the Scottish Parliament

A search for local heroes from communities across Scotland is underway as the Scottish Parliament announces plans for a special commemorative anniversary event to take place on Saturday 29 June.

Every Member of the Scottish Parliament is being asked to nominate one of their constituents who have made an extraordinary contribution to their communities, their local hero. They will be invited to attend the event on the Saturday 29 June alongside their MSP.

The event will mark almost 25 years to the day since the Scottish Parliament was officially opened on 1 July 1999. Taking place in the Debating Chamber, the day will mark the achievements of the Parliament over the last 25 years as well as being a celebration of Scottish culture.

Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “As we prepare to mark 25 years of the first sitting of The Scottish Parliament, it reminds us of the significant political journey that the Scottish people have been on and the progress that’s been made since 1999.

“Our event in June is an opportunity for people from across Scotland to celebrate with us. To reflect on the role that MSPs and the Parliament have had over the past 25 years and the importance of continuing our commitment to our founding principles.

“A cornerstone of this commemorative event will be recognising the extraordinary contribution people from across Scotland make to their communities.

“I look forward to welcoming people from all over Scotland for a day of reflection and celebration.”

Local Heroes have taken part in the opening ceremonies of the Scottish Parliament in 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2021.

To find out more about how you can be nominated to be a Local Hero please contact your MSPs

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PoLHA wins commendation at the Herald Property Awards 2022 for Heron Place development

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has won a commendation at the Herald Property Awards 2022 in the Affordable Housing Development of the Year category (sponsored by NHBC) for its Heron Place development.

Heron Place was also shortlisted for the Scottish Home Awards 2022 and nominated for Architecture: Regeneration Heron Place at the Scottish Design Awards 2022.

The development situated at Granton Harbour consists of 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent. The construction and design team comprised of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, architects Hackland and Dore, structural engineer Bayne Stevenson Associates Ltd and M&E engineer The Keenan Consultancy.

The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2022 honoured the achievements of Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords. The awards took place on Thursday, September 29 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.

The Affordable Housing Development of the Year category was open to registered social housing providers, charities, trusts or public bodies in partnership with a local authority and/or a developer for rent and/or shared ownership.

The judges were looking for evidence of how the development has impacted positively on the lives of local residents and contributed towards the regeneration of the area. Consideration was given to the use of sustainable materials and building techniques, as well as the development’s impact on the local environment.

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “We’re proud that Heron Place is thriving within the Granton waterfront community with sustainable, affordable homes and brilliant communities.

“Receiving a commendation for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Herald Property Awards on top of our shortlist at the Scottish Home Awards 2022 is incredible rewarding.”

Inverleith Councillor nominated for national award

Winners will be unveiled in Dundee on 12 October

LOCAL Government Information Unit Scotland and CCLA are delighted to announce that Cllr Max Mitchell of the City of Edinburgh Council has been shortlisted for the 2022 Cllr Awards for Young Councillor.

Conservative Cllr Mitchell is the only Edinburgh councillor to make the shortlists.

Running for the 5th year, the Cllr Awards are the only national ceremony to celebrate the vital contributions of councillors across Scotland. These Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally as their work can, all too often, go unrecognised.

Competition was extremely tight again this year, with nearly 100 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the varied work of councillors. The categories up for grabs this year are: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Resilience and Recovery and Young Councillor of the Year awards. The full shortlist is included below.

A panel of judges composed of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector will select the winners who will be revealed at the Cllr Awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday 12 October (from 7:00pm-9:00pm) at Marryat Hall (Caird Hall) with Dundee City Council as this year’s hosts.

The ceremony will also be broadcast live on YouTube.

This year’s awards are only made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland said: “In a year like no other, councillors up and down the country have once again been working tirelessly to address the needs of their residents and bring much needed leadership to communities that are struggling day in and day out.

“The 2022 Cllr Awards shortlist is a reflection of the dedication and resilience shown by councillors during some of the most turbulent and worrying years in recent history.

“From supporting communities through flooding emergencies and fires to welcoming refugees from Ukraine into our local communities, these councillors are some of the most committed elected representatives across Scotland. We are incredibly proud to showcase their stories in this year’s shortlist.

“Congratulations to all of the shortlisted councillors. We look forward to unveiling the winners of this 5th annual Cllr Awards in Dundee on the 12th of October.”

Lord Provost of Dundee, Bill Campbell, said: “We are delighted to host the Cllr Awards in Dundee, and look forward to celebrating the tremendous contribution that elected members make to communities across Scotland. Congratulations and good luck to all those who have been shortlisted.”

NO LEADER of the YEAR AWARD

In a departure from previous years, there will be NO Leader of the Year Award this time round.

Organisers explained: ‘As we mark the 5th anniversary of Cllr Awards, councils across Scotland have delivered in the face of the most turbulent and worrying years in recent history.

‘Councillors have been responding to the pandemic, helping residents through the cost of living crisis, supporting refugees, delivering aid in response to the war in Ukraine and helping communities to come together to mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

‘In this difficult context, we feel it is essential to take this moment in time to celebrate all local leadership across Scotland. As such, the Cllr Awards will be showcasing and recognising the leadership of each Council Leader in Scotland (those currently in post as well as those serving up to the May 2022 elections) for their remarkable contributions to local government over the last two years.’

AYE, right …!

THE NOMINATIONS ARE:

2022 Cllr Awards Shortlist – Scotland

Community Champion

Cllr Stephen Burns – Renfrewshire Council

Cllr Neill Graham – Renfrewshire Council

Cllr David Macdonald – East Renfrewshire Council

Cllr Uisdean Robertson – Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Cllr Ann Ross – Aberdeenshire Council

Leader of the Year

See above

Lifetime Achievement

Bailie Malcolm Cunning – Glasgow City Council (in memoriam)

Cllr Donald Moffat – Scottish Borders Council

Resilience and Recovery

Cllr Maureen Chalmers – South Lanarkshire Council

Cllr Chris Cullen – South Ayrshire Council

Cllr Katie Hagmann – Dumfries and Galloway Council

Cllr Pauline Munro – Highland Council

Cllr Fay Sinclair – Scottish Borders Council

Young Councillor

Cllr Max Mitchell – City of Edinburgh Council

Cllr Connor McManus – Midlothian Council

(It’s a two-horse race here … but that’s a Lib Dem headline!)

Entries closing soon in search for the UK’s most marvellous moggy

Cat lovers across the UK have less than two weeks left to nominate their furry friend in the biggest feline event of the year – the National Cat Awards.

Run by the charity Cats Protection, the annual event celebrates the nation’s most marvellous moggies, with heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and companionship.

This year’s event also features a new Cat Colleagues category to honour the feline heroes who have helped their owners adjust to working from home, or have made going to work a little easier during the pandemic.

Owners have until noon on Thursday 10 March to nominate their cat in one of four categories:

Cat Colleagues – Cats who bring joy to the workplace or make working from home a pleasure
Most Caring Cat – Cats that positively impact a person’s health or wellbeing
Furr-ever Friends – Tales of friendship between children and cats
Outstanding Rescue Cat – Fabulous felines adopted from animal charities

Cats Protection’s Awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “Over the past two years, the UK’s pet cats have played an even more important role in our lives – whether it’s keeping the kids’ company during home schooling, being a companion for people living alone in lockdown or simply being there during times of uncertainty.

“From chilled out cats that provide comfort and support, to the mischievous moggies that make us smile, cats undoubtedly have a special place in the hearts and homes of millions of people. We’re thrilled to once again be hosting our National Cat Awards and are looking forward to sharing many wonderful stories of moggy marvelousness!

“We hope that by celebrating some of the UK’s most incredible cats we’ll inspire more people to consider adopting a cat in 2022.”

Winners will be selected by a panel of celebrity cat lovers before being announced at a star-studded ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel on 4 August 2022.

The winner of the National Cat of the Year will inherit the title from Minty, a three-legged moggy from Holywell, Wales, who helped six-year-old Connor Raven cope with severe learning difficulties and medical conditions.

To nominate your cat, or for further information about the Awards, log on to www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards

To find out more about adopting a cat from Cats Protection, visit:

www.cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat

Nominations open for the Wall of Honour at new Meadowbank

The search has begun for names for the Wall of Honour at the new Meadowbank Sports Centre as nominations opened today (Thursday 30 September).

A space within the atrium in the new building has been reserved to honour members of the public who have made significant contributions to Meadowbank’s past and legacy as a sport venue and community facility.

Edinburgh’s new Meadowbank will be one of the country’s top community sports centres when it opens and will feature some of the most state-of-the-art fitness facilities in the United Kingdom. The Centre is on track to open to the public before the end of the year with the Wall of Honour being added in the New Year.

Nominations must have a connection with Meadowbank and can be made in four categories:

Competitive Achievements – individuals who have medalled at a major senior championship within their sport. This includes Commonwealth, European, World or Olympic level events.
Community Service – individuals who have made significant contributions to sports, clubs and the Meadowbank community in a voluntary capacity.
Professional Service –individuals who were employed to work at Meadowbank Sports Centre for a significant period and contributed to the operation and development of the venue as a major training, sports, events, health and wellbeing, physical activity and community destination.
Special Contribution – individuals who do not meet elements of the above criteria but you feel are an outstanding individual who should be recognised on the Wall of Honour.

Communities, teams and individuals across Edinburgh have eight weeks to submit nominations for the Wall before the deadline of Friday 26 November. Final decisions will then be made by a selection panel.

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “As we prepare to open the brand new Meadowbank Sports Centre this is a wonderful way for the Capital’s citizens to pay a lasting tribute to the Meadowbank legacy and to outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on sport in the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh.

“Please help us celebrate the people of Edinburgh’s achievements by proposing a nominee now.

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Meadowbank has been an important part of Scotland’s sporting history for many years and the new development will build on this legacy.

“The Wall of Honour is an excellent opportunity to highlight what has gone before and will be added to over the years as the new sports centre takes its place as an important venue for Edinburgh’s sporting future.

“We want to hear from the people of Edinburgh on who has inspired them over the years and deserves to be recognised and celebrated for years to come.”

Nominations can be made online through the Council’s Consultation Hub and must be received no later than Friday 26 November 2021.

Young Scot calls on Edinburgh to celebrate its most inspiring young people

Young Scot is calling on people in Edinburgh to help celebrate Scotland’s young heroes as nominations open for the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards 2022.

Now in its sixteenth year, the annual Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of 11-26-year-olds from across the nation and the extraordinary work they do to improve their local communities and the lives of others.

The Awards highlight the triumphs of young people across a range of categories – from sport and the arts through to enterprise and volunteering – and shine a light on the invaluable contributions made by remarkable young people all across Scotland.

Nominations are now open on youngscotawards.com, with the results set to be announced on 27 April 2022 by BBC Radio 1 DJ, Gemma Cairney at a star-studded red-carpet awards ceremony hosted at Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre.

The winners will join a prestigious roll call of previous recipients including RuPaul’s Drag Race champion, Lawrence Chaney and social media star, Jamie Genevieve. Charitable duo Jack Mullen and Alfie King were crowned last year’s ‘Young Scots of the Year’ for their work in raising donations and keeping community spirit alive during the pandemic.

Kirsten Urquhart, Chief Executive (Interim) at Young Scot, said: “The Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards is back for 2022 and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible achievements of Scotland’s young people.

“Despite the challenges young people have endured over the past eighteen months, we continue to be absolutely blown away by the inspirational stories of young people from across Scotland. It’s an honour to be able to shine a spotlight on their achievements.

“If you know a young person in Edinburgh who impresses you, or someone who’s gone above and beyond to help others, then we want to hear about them. Make your nomination today!”

Jack Mullen, Young Scot of the Year 2021 winner, said: “We were both so shocked when we found out that we’d won Young Scot of the Year last year.

“We didn’t expect it at all, but it felt so rewarding to be recognised for the work we did to support our community and neighbours during lockdown.”

To nominate a young person or to find out more about the awards, please visit:

youngscotawards.com

Local Salon finalises for seven categories in regional awards

Local salon, MARKDAVID, based in Stockbridge, has received the outstanding news that they have finalised for seven categories in the Salon Awards.

The Salon Awards provide regional recognition for hair and beauty professionals and are the only hair and beauty industry awards where hair and beauty professionals can compete at a local level in their fields of expertise.

Focused on improving standards, elevating business, rewarding individuals, and showcasing the professionalism of their industry locally – it is no ordinary awards competition.

The Salon Awards community is a hive of hair and beauty salon owners, hair stylists, nail artists, colourists, barbers, beauty therapists, spa geniuses – young and old alike – all vying to compare, improve and be the best in their area.

To finalise in seven categories is a fantastic achievement for the MARKDAVID salon, which only opened in November 2019 and has since had to close twice due to the pandemic. Despite this, the salon has only got more successful and has even expanded, offering more space and services for their clientele.

The Salon Awards award ceremony will take place this November, where the salon will find out their fate and if they have won any of the following seven categories: Best Salon, Best Customer Experience, Best New or Refurbished Salon, Best Marketing Trailblazer, Best Colour Salon, Best Salon Team and Creative Image of the Year.

Winning the awards will not only bring the salon more business recognition and credentials for their expertise but will also improve their industry recognition and provide them with marketing opportunities and exposure to attract customers.

Mark McCarthy, Owner of MARKDAVID salon, commented: “To finalise for seven awards in this year’s Salon Awards is truly incredible.

“It’s been a hard couple of years with the pandemic and we’re thrilled that the Salon Awards have been able to notice our hard work and dedication towards our salon, our community, our team and our clients.

“We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony in November and hopefully we will be able to bring some awards home to display proudly in our salon!”