Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards finalists highlight dedication and commitment across the north-east

This year’s Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards finalists highlight some of Aberdeenshire’s most dedicated residents and committed community groups.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held in October, a celebration of the outstanding contributions made across the Shire.

Organised by Aberdeenshire Council, the 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.

Provost of Aberdeenshire Judy Whyte said: “The Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards are one of the highlights of the year because they give us the opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people and groups who make our communities stronger, kinder and more connected. Every finalist has a story of dedication, compassion and commitment, and their efforts have had a lasting impact on the lives of others.

“What makes these awards so special is that they celebrate those who often work quietly behind the scenes, asking for little recognition while giving so much of themselves to help others. Our 2026 finalists should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved. They truly represent the very best of Aberdeenshire, and I congratulate each and every one of them on reaching this stage of the awards.”

The Inspiring Aberdeenshire finalists are:

Civic Pride Award

Inverurie Environmental Group based in Inverurie
Friends of the Haughs based in Turriff
Invercairn Community Council based in Inverallochy

Heart of Aberdeenshire Caring Award

Kelly O’Brien from Peterhead
Rachel Clark from Ellon
Men in Mind based in Ellon/Inverurie/Haddo/Fraserburgh
Yogi & Cindy Bears based in Newtonhill

Inspirational Volunteer Award

Marie Cheyne from Cairnbulg
Helen Feeney from Maud
Rose Logan from Turriff

Local Hero Courage Award

Avril Bruce from Banff
Karen Stewart from Aboyne
Katie Innes from Fetterangus

Young Community Hero Award

Chloe Crossman from Peterhead
Ellie Wight from Drumoak
Steven Lewington from Pitmedden
Portlethen Academy Pupil Volunteers (Elliot, Forbes, Lucy, Olivia & Sam)

Lifetime Achievement Award

Colin Allanach from Ellon
David Urquhart from Portsoy
Lorna Keith from Ellon

Keep up-to-date with all the latest Inspiring Aberdeenshire news at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/communities/events/inspiringaberdeenshire