Winners of Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2025

The winners of Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2025 have been announced. 

Finalists joined councillors, sponsors and guests at the ceremony in Meldrum House Hotel this evening (Wednesday) to hear who won in each category. A full list is below. 

At the event, there were also performances from talented Aberdeenshire musicians and the event was an opportunity to reflect on all the things which make us all proud of Aberdeenshire. 

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

“Once again, Inspiring Aberdeenshire has shown us the very best community spirit across our region. Each year it highlights just how remarkable the people in our communities truly are and these awards serve as a tremendous reminder of the dedication, compassion and tireless effort which so many individuals pour into making Aberdeenshire a better place for everyone.

"At its heart, Inspiring Aberdeenshire is about celebrating those who quietly go above and beyond – not for recognition, but out of a genuine love for their communities.

“This year’s winners are outstanding examples of that spirit. They are the unsung heroes who work day-in-and-day-out, whether that’s through caring for others, preserving our local heritage and culture or volunteering their time to uplift those around them.

"Their commitment and selflessness are deeply moving and though their devotion and dedication, they have strengthened the fabric of our communities, and we are all better for it.”

The winners are: 

Aberdeenshire’s Future award
Anthony McKillop (Tarland)

Anthony started working in Tarland as a school leaver aged 16 as part of the Hospitality Apprenticeship North-east Programme and has been part of the community ever since.

Despite not growing up in Tarland and moving into the village without knowing anyone, in such a short time he has become an integral part of the community and has supported village life in numerous ways through his volunteering and fundraising efforts with local organisations.

In 2020, Anthony volunteered with the Cromar Community Council, stepping in as a temporary coordinator and runner to help vulnerable people in need. In 2022 he started to support the Cromar Voluntary Patient Transport Group - who have since said they couldn’t run their services without him.

He is a keen fundraiser for groups including Mrs Murray’s home for cats and dogs. He started the Santa’s Grotto and Light Trail at Douneside House. As a member of the community garden in Tarland, he has helped with their Open Days and fundraising efforts.

Despite being just 21 now, he already has many years of voluntary service under his belt – and he has shown great commitment and passion to the causes he chooses.  

Beautiful Aberdeenshire Environmental award
Turning the Plastic Tide (Aberdeenshire)

Turning the Plastic Tide is a beach cleaning initiative led by the East Grampian Coastal Partnership which was first started in late 2018 as a direct result of the volume of litter accumulating along the East Grampian coastline from Fraserburgh down to St Cyrus.

The small team works tirelessly to raise awareness of marine litter issues and advocates marine environmental stewardship to help improve Aberdeenshire’s coastline for all to enjoy. The project excels in coordinating beach cleaning, linking in with communities, schools and businesses to focus effort on the worst affected areas.

To-date it has carried out more than 300 beach cleans, engaged directly with more than 7,900 volunteers and removed more than 110 tonnes of litter from Aberdeenshire’s coastline.

In 2024, the project organised 59 beach cleans which were attended by 1,201 volunteers from schools, the community and corporations. More than 38 tonnes of litter were removed from the coastline. 

Community Spirit award
Darren Robertson (Portlethen)

Darren is chairman of the Portlethen Town Association and the Portlethen Gala. These groups provide the Christmas tree, Christmas lights and the Gala. He is also on the Portlethen Jubilee Hall committee and, since joining, the hall has been transformed - in no small part thanks to Darren who arranged for all the new chairs and tables as well as the decoration of the space itself.

He organises the annual Santa Run which brings smiles to the faces of residents as Santa goes around the streets, and he arranged for defibrillators to be installed around the town. Portlethen is very lucky to have Darren as a resident and this nomination is a way for the community to say thank you. 

Heart of Aberdeenshire Caring award
James Stewart (Inverurie)

James runs JAS counselling in Inverurie which helps people across Aberdeenshire.

His nomination reads: “I discovered James at a desperate time for our family. We were desperately worried about our teen, suffice to say we were lost, sad and scared. I made contact and he was absolutely amazing from the start. He immediately made contact and had regular appointments. No matter what, we know if there’s a crisis we can get help.”

The care James offers his clients to help them on the path to wellness and support is not only so much appreciated but also lifesaving. The nomination ends with: “A few months down the line and what a difference! I can’t praise him enough for making our child so much happier by being able to talk and gain the confidence and faith in herself to move forward positively. He is certainly a winner to us.”

Inspirational Volunteer award
Jo Houghton-Evans (Hatton of Fintray)

Jo is a volunteer and Breastfeeding Peer Supporter for the Kintore and Blackburn NHS Breastfeeding Support Group, who works tirelessly to support mums, babies and families.

Jo volunteers weekly to provide the emotional and educational support, reassurance and confidence that is lacking for this community. She not only supports mothers and families but has also been an advocate for identifying and promoting safe spaces for women to feed their babies in the local area.

Jo's group has created a valuable community network for mothers in the area. Many of the testimonies discuss the role Jo and her group have played in their mental health post baby, and the formation of a network of friends and community of support. Networks such as these are invaluable in our society and your support is so much appreciated. 

Local Hero Courage award
Lynn Easdale (Fraserburgh)

Lynn lost her son Jayden when he was only six years old, to a rare genetic condition. One year later, her eldest took their own life after months of struggling with their loss.

Despite unimaginable heartbreak, Lynn has done so much for the charity Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). She’s abseiled, zip-lined, and trekked the Sahara. She’s raised over £5,000 for CHAS. Lynn also dedicates a lot of time looking after children with Additional Support Needs.

The nomination said Lynn deserves recognition for her huge heart, and even though it has been broken twice in such a short time she’s always smiling. It is her courage in the face of her own grief that makes Lynne an Inspiration. 

Cultural award
Denise Buchan (Fraserburgh)

Denise Buchan’s leadership of the Fraserburgh Royal British Legion Pipe Band has made a lasting impact on the local community and the world of bagpiping.

Leading the band for 20 years and now serving as Pipe Sergeant and Secretary, Denise has been instrumental in shaping the lives of many aspiring pipers and ensuring the band’s continued success. Denise’s commitment to teaching the bagpipes has empowered countless students, from beginners to advanced players.

Her patient, caring approach has created a supportive environment where students not only develop technical skills but also grow in confidence and well-being.

Many of Denise’s pupils have gone on to play in prestigious top-grade pipe bands worldwide, further elevating Fraserburgh’s reputation in the piping community. Denise’s dedication to Fraserburgh extends beyond the pipe band.

She has played a key role in local events such as the Royal British Legion Fraserburgh Remembrance Service, Fraserburgh RNLI events and Cancer Research Peterhead Relay for Life.

Denise Buchan’s contributions to both Fraserburgh and the global piping community have been immeasurable. 

Inspiring Aberdeenshire Lifetime Achievement award
George and Ruth Skinner (Old Rayne)

George and Ruth Skinner have been inspiring in the life of their nominee and others. Both, now octogenarians, they couple come from traditional Aberdeenshire farming backgrounds.

They have the most inspiring hands-on work ethic and dedication to the north-east rural economy and way of life which continues on through their lifetime of work, the business they and their family have built together and interests that they inspire others with.

George is a familiar face at Thainstone Mart – in his trademark boilersuit and flat cap – and was instrumental in establishing and running the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative which takes the countryside to school classrooms all over the north-east of Scotland.

During their lifetime together, George and Ruth diversified their farm business to include a riding school which has allowed people of all ages and abilities to enjoy being among horses, and their farm has proudly facilitated riding for the disabled and, Ruth's passion, carriage driving for the disabled.

George and Ruth are the humblest of couples, valuing the reward and satisfaction of hard work, a steady pace of life and the beautiful surrounding of their beloved Aberdeenshire – it is said George can give an accurate weather forecast just by looking across at Bennachie. Yet they are also forward thinking.

They have devoted a great deal of time in helping others and the community value them personally and professionally.

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

Headline sponsors:
• BP - sponsoring Lifetime Achievement Award
• FES OCS- sponsoring Community Spirit Award
• Hub North Scotland - sponsoring Aberdeenshire’s Future Award
Award sponsors:
• Instock - sponsoring Beautiful Aberdeenshire Environmental Award
• The MacRobert Trust - sponsoring Local Hero Courage Award
• TPS Fruit and Veg - sponsoring Heart of Aberdeenshire Caring Award