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Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2026 finalists

Organised by the council, the Inspiring Aberdeenshire awards shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to make life better for people around them, often through years of quiet volunteering and community service.

View the finalists of the Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2026 awards:

Civic Pride Award

Invercairn Community Council (Inverallochy)

Invercairn Community Council is described as the epitome of what a community council should be and what it can achieve. With members ranging in age from their early 30s to over 80, the council brings together a wide depth of knowledge and experience for the benefit of Inverallochy and Cairnbulg.

The council is deeply connected to all sections of the community and works to care for the villages, deliver local projects, attract visitors and support the local economy. It also works collaboratively with Aberdeenshire Council and supports other village groups including Inversport, Maggie’s Hoose and the Invercairn Gala Committee.

Its projects include memorials, Second World War commemorations, improvements to railway heritage areas, planting and maintenance. Its largest project has been a sustainable pathway connecting the villages to Fraserburgh, involving years of research, fundraising and partnership working with Sustrans and Aberdeenshire Council.

Inverurie Environmental Group (Inverurie)

Inverurie Environmental Improvement Group, under the long-standing leadership of John Glover, has transformed public spaces across Inverurie and strengthened community pride in the town. What began as a small horticultural initiative has grown into a respected community charity whose work is visible throughout the seasons.

The group brings together volunteers, local businesses, community organisations, supported services and public sector partners to care for shared spaces. This collaborative approach means environmental improvement is something done by the community, not to the community.

Under John Glover’s dedicated leadership, Inverurie has achieved repeated national recognition through the Beautiful Scotland programme, including Gold Awards and discretionary awards for Community Involvement and Keep Scotland Beautiful. The group also supports biodiversity, inclusion and pride in local streets, gardens and public places.

Friends of the Haughs (Turriff)

Friends of the Haughs is a small group working to improve The Haughs in Turriff, encouraging local school pupils, groups and residents to take part. Biodiversity is central to their work, with thousands of bulbs planted, wildflower areas created, a mini orchard established and fruit bushes added for visitors to enjoy.

The group welcomes pupils from Turriff Primary School throughout the year and has supported learning through composting, wildflower meadow work and planters built by the local Men’s Shed. They also fundraised more than £5,000 in one month for Bob’s Bothy, a shelter named after a much-loved local resident who cared for the area every day.

Their wider work includes monthly litter picks, planting 105 tree saplings from the Woodland Trust, receiving Sakura cherry blossom trees from the Ambassador of Japan, and running pond dipping, mini beast hunts and nature workshops. Their dedication encourages people of all ages to care for and take pride in The Haughs.

Heart of Aberdeenshire Caring Award

Yogi and Cindy Bears (Newtonhill)

Yogi and Cindy Bears support families, children and communities across Aberdeenshire through Animal Assisted Intervention and medical assistance and therapy dog programmes. Their work reaches children, young people, adults and families facing challenges including mental health difficulties, trauma, anxiety, social isolation, learning differences, neurodiversity and physical disabilities.

Their programmes provide early intervention and preventative support, creating safe and calming environments where individuals can engage, express emotions, build confidence and develop social interaction. They work in settings including schools, hospitals, care homes, special care facilities and community spaces, helping people who may struggle to access traditional forms of support.

The organisation also delivers awareness sessions and works closely with partners including NHS services, local councils, care homes, schools, Camphill School, SAMH, Suicide Prevention Scotland, Aberdeen Disability Action and local charities. Through crisis support, education and compassionate intervention, they strengthen families and help build more resilient communities.

Kelly O’Brien (Peterhead)

Kelly O’Brien is described as an outstanding carer whose compassion, energy and creativity make her an irreplaceable part of Allandale House and the wider Peterhead community. While she provides daily care to service users with complex mental health needs, it is her work beyond her paid role that truly sets her apart.

Known as Allandale’s “Engagement Champion”, Kelly constantly turns ideas into action, arranging celebrations, sponsored walks, raffles, visiting animals, personalised birthday outings and creative events that bring connection, confidence and joy to service users. By providing  support to families and colleagues through difficult moments, including palliative care and emotional support, Kelly brings comfort, strength and hope.

One of her most recent achievements was taking over and transforming ‘Boogie in the Bar’, preventing its closure and growing it into a free monthly inclusive community event attracting more than 150 people. Her wider fundraising and volunteering, including work with Peterhead Football Club and the local pantomime group, show the heart of caring in action by giving her time so freely and selflessly.

Rachel Clark (Ellon)

Rachel Clark established A Social Nation in Ellon in 2025, creating two discos and a monthly social night for individuals with additional support needs. Recognising that reductions in local services had left many people without safe, supported opportunities to maintain friendships and social connections, Rachel stepped forward to fill a vital gap. What began as one person’s determination to make a difference has become a valued and welcoming community where people can connect, have fun and feel included.

Through her commitment of time, energy and resources, Rachel has created an inclusive environment where friendships flourish, confidence grows and people feel supported and valued. Her compassionate approach has strengthened community connections and fostered a greater sense of belonging.

Rachel’s work also supports parents and carers, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation. Her nomination recognises her kindness, generosity and determination to transform a gap in local support into a thriving network that continues to enrich lives across the wider community.

Men in Mind (Ellon/Inverurie/Haddo/Fraserburgh)

Men in Mind provides peer-to-peer mental health support for men across Aberdeenshire, creating safe, non-judgemental spaces where men can talk openly about their feelings and challenges. The group was founded by Andy Joss following the loss of a friend to suicide, and its facilitators have undertaken training to support the groups they run.

The group has grown significantly in just two years, with meetings established in Ellon and Inverurie, and further groups planned or opening in Haddo and Fraserburgh. Nominations describe weekly sessions supporting between 20 and 40 men with many people saying the group has helped,  and in some cases, even saved lives.

Beyond its meetings, Men in Mind builds friendship, connection and confidence through social activities, community work and ongoing support outside sessions. Its strength lies in helping men feel heard, valued and less alone, while challenging stigma around men’s mental health. Men in Mind is bringing hope, strength and connection to communities across the North East of Scotland 

Inspirational Volunteer Award

Helen Feeney (Maud)

Helen Feeney set up Bairnecessities Baby Bank after seeing first-hand, through her work as a nursery nurse, how many local families were struggling. Despite being a busy mum, wife and full-time worker, she has continued to show huge dedication to the charity and to the families it supports.

Her work has helped hundreds of families over the years, ensuring that babies and children do not go without essential items. She has faced many barriers and obstacles, but her determination and passion for the cause have never wavered.
Most recently, Helen completed the purchase of a disused premises from Aberdeenshire Council to use as a headquarters. Her nominee described her excitement and vision for the building, which has the potential to grow into a valuable community space with wide benefits for local people.

Rose Logan (Turriff)

Rose Logan has spent many years stepping up for the Turriff community, volunteering her time across a remarkable range of local groups and projects. She supports existing initiatives, helps create new ones, and is described as one of Turriff and District’s most valuable and reliable volunteers.

Her practical contribution is wide-ranging, from committee roles and community council work to watering floral displays, cleaning public toilets and supporting improvements such as new outdoor gym equipment. With 24 years’ experience on the community council, she is a trusted source of knowledge, contacts and encouragement.

Rose currently supports groups including Turriff Caravan Park, Turriff in Bloom, Turriff Business Association, Turriff Local Charity and others. Through Turriff Local Charity, she has overseen funding of £169,118 being awarded to local groups, making her a true example of committed, community-minded volunteering.

Marie Cheyne (Cairnbulg)

Marie Cheyne has dedicated her life to helping people of all ages learn to swim, both through her work with Aberdeenshire Council and her own not-for-profit swim school, which she has run for more than 30 years. Over that time, she has encouraged many others to train as swimming teachers and coaches, helping to ensure swimming skills can continue to be taught across the north east.
Her greatest passion has been supporting people with physical and mental disabilities to enjoy the water and benefit from swimming. Through patience, kindness and understanding she helps people build confidence, trust and skills that they, and their families, may never have thought possible.

Marie also runs competitive galas for disabled swimmers, has secured funding for future events, and has supported swimmers to compete at the Special Olympics. Although she has previously been recognised as Scottish Disability Coach of the Year, her nominee felt that recognition in her home area would be especially meaningful, given the profound impact she has had locally.

Local Hero Courage Award

Katie Innes (Fetterangus)

Katie Innes has been nominated for her remarkable fundraising efforts for School Park in Strichen, part of Cornerstone. To raise money for a sensory summer house for five residents she, along with her colleagues support, cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats in June 2025, covering more than 1000 miles and raising over £2000.

The sensory summer house is intended to help restore social, sensory and meaningful activity for residents following the loss of day centre provision after post-COVID funding cuts. Katie took on the challenge because she wanted to stand up for people who could not easily stand up for themselves.

Her journey was physically demanding, involving weeks of camping, preparing her own food and losing around 10kg through the intensity of the cycle. Alongside this, she is recognised for going above and beyond in her day-to-day care work and is organising a further fundraising effort by shaving her hair, with proceeds split between Cornerstone and The Little Princess Trust.

Avril Bruce (Banff)

Avril Bruce has devoted the last six years to supporting, empowering and enabling vulnerable people affected by substance use across Banff and Aberdeenshire. Through her own recovery journey, she now uses her own experience to become a trusted source of encouragement to help others find hope and a way forward.

She founded Talking Point Recovery and Wellbeing Group in Banff creating a welcoming non-judgemental space that now offers in-person and online support. Her voluntary work has also helped start groups including Cubs Collective, Blooming Woman and a men’s group, extending support across Aberdeenshire.

Avril has organised overdose awareness events, festive recovery support, mental health first aid training, service improvement work and advocacy for individuals in difficulty. Even while facing personal heartbreak and caring responsibilities at home, she continues to attend meetings and groups, showing exceptional courage, resilience and selfless commitment to others.

Karen Stewart (Aboyne)

Karen Stewart is someone whose kindness knows no boundaries. For more than 25 years she has provided encouragement, support and compassion to others, while also championing local businesses through her own venture, This Little Piggy. Her dedication to helping others has made a lasting difference to individuals, organisations and communities across the region.

One of Karen’s most significant achievements is the creation of the Grampian Business Finder Facebook community. Growing to more than 36,000 members, the group has become a thriving platform where businesses can connect, promote their services and support one another. Through this network, Karen has strengthened the local business community and created opportunities for countless organisations to grow and succeed.

Karen has also demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of personal challenges, including the loss of loved ones and a life-threatening brain aneurysm in July 2024. Even during her recovery she continued to support clients, local businesses and charitable causes. Alongside raising thousands of pounds for charity she has consistently used her voice and platform to champion good causes close to her heart. Her quiet strength, generosity, courage and determination leave a lasting impression on everyone who knows her.

Young Community Hero Award

Portlethen Academy pupil volunteers - Elliot, Forbes, Lucy, Olivia and Sam

Elliot, Forbes, Lucy, Olivia and Sam are an exceptional group of S5 pupils who volunteer with Active Schools Portlethen. They give their time and energy to create, promote and deliver sporting and leadership opportunities for primary and secondary pupils across their community.

Their standout achievement has been helping to establish a weekly ASN multisports session at Portlethen Academy. They recognised a gap for pupils with additional support needs, pupils lacking confidence to join mainstream clubs and those who often spent lunchtimes in the pupil support centre.

Through activities including boccia, golf, basketball, football, athletics and team-building games the volunteers have helped create a safe, inclusive and engaging environment where every participant feels valued, supported and encouraged. They have gone above and beyond to create opportunities for others, using sport and leadership to help young people feel included, supported and confident.

Chloe Crossman (Peterhead)

Chloe Crossman is an exceptional young person whose compassion, resilience and leadership have made a real difference for Young Carers across Aberdeenshire. As both a Care Experienced young person and a Young Carer, she provides emotional care for her younger sister while remaining committed to her education and wider achievements.

At Peterhead Academy Chloe has helped raise the profile of Young Carers through the School of Citizenship, including research supported by the University of Aberdeen. Her discussion with local MSP Karen Adam contributed to a parliamentary debate in March 2024 which she was invited to attend in Edinburgh.

She has continued that advocacy through her Youth and Philanthropy Initiative project, support for a Young Carers Club, and work with VSA on an awareness-raising video used online, on STV advertising and in staff training. Chloe is a powerful role model whose lived experience is helping others access support.

Steven Lewington (Pitmedden)

Steven Lewington gives a remarkable amount of time to support his local community whilst still attending school as a S6 pupil. He is described as kind, determined and selfless, with a strong sense of fairness and a natural ability to include and encourage others.

One of his major contributions has been helping to re-open Ellon Scout Group, restoring a safe and supportive space for young people to learn, grow and build friendships. He is also actively involved with Balmedie Cubs as a Cub leader where he supports younger children to build confidence and develop new skills.

Steven also contributes to Udny Community Trust, including the community shelf and swap shop, as well as Gordon Scouts and Kemnay Youth Club. His ability to balance school with such wide-ranging community commitments, while remaining humble and reliable, makes him an inspiring young community hero.

Ellie Wight (Drumoak)

Ellie Wight has helped set up Safe Space Ketamine Recovery (SSKR), a group through Aberdeen in Recovery, in response to the significant impact of ketamine addiction among young people in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen city.

She is using her own story to raise awareness and support others, including walking the West Highland Way to raise funds, and speaking with young people involved in SSKR. She is also engaging with parents and sharing her story through radio and podcast platforms.

Her nominee describes her as brave for putting her personal experience forward to help others. With ambitions to raise awareness in schools she is helping to break the stigma, building hope and creating change for young people and families. Ellie is already showing initiative, courage and a clear commitment to improving understanding and support available in the North East of Scotland.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Lorna Keith (Ellon)

Lorna Keith has worked at Meiklemill Primary for more than 40 years, from class teacher to Depute Head, and is widely respected by colleagues, parents and children. She is recognised as a leading contributor to the nurturing, caring and welcoming ethos of the school.
She sees every pupil as an individual, values their strengths and talents, and continues to take an interest in them long after they leave school. Former pupils still speak warmly of her, and many have chosen to send their own children to Meiklemill Primary because of the positive environment she helped create.

Lorna’s influence has also inspired future teachers. From one Primary 4 cohort she taught in 1994, seven pupils went on to careers in teaching, and other former pupils who became staff members have returned to the school and been welcomed by her. Her creativity, warmth and commitment over four decades make her a deeply valued figure in the school community.

Colin Allanach (Ellon)

Colin Allanach has been a stalwart of Ythan Cycle Club since joining in 1990 and has chaired the club for several years. He works tirelessly to support people across Ellon, Aberdeenshire and beyond, to improve their mental and physical health through cycling while leading a dedicated team of volunteers.

Through the club, he has helped organise events including Ellon Bike Week, bike repair sessions, e-bike opportunities, Cycling Without Age activity and the famous Ellon Pedal Car Race. These activities bring people together, promote access to cycling and support community life in a practical and joyful way.

Colin has also played a central role in the development of Ellon Wheel Park which followed years of fundraising, asset transfer work, grant negotiation and community engagement. The park is open, free and accessible, supporting families, disabled cyclists, young people and local events. His leadership has helped Ythan Cycle Club win Scottish Cycling Club of the Year in November 2025.

David Urquhart (Portsoy)

David Urquhart is nominated for his exceptional long-standing service to the Portsoy community and wider Aberdeenshire area. For nearly three decades he has been closely involved in the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, Scotland’s largest maritime event, helping celebrate heritage, support local enterprise and bring economic and social benefit to the region.

He has chaired the festival since 2019 stepping into leadership after the passing of long-standing chairman Roger Goodyear. Though it was not a role he actively sought, he has given his time freely, working with the board and committee to guide the festival through challenges and opportunities.

In the weeks before the festival David can be found working from early morning until late evening, co-ordinating infrastructure, operating machinery and ensuring practical details are in place. His knowledge, commitment and hands-on leadership have helped the festival grow into a nationally and internationally recognised celebration of maritime heritage.