蜜芽传媒

The 蜜芽传媒 Make a Difference Awards in Scotland aim to celebrate and recognise people who do incredible things for each other and their local communities. After difficult deliberations, entries from across Scotland have been whittled down to 33 finalists across nine categories.

Led by 鈥楳ornings鈥� presenter Kaye Adams and 鈥楢fternoons鈥� presenter Michelle McManus, 蜜芽传媒 Radio Scotland has narrowed their listeners鈥� entries to 29 and 蜜芽传媒 Radio nan G脿idheal to four inspiring community heroes.

Kaye Adams said: 鈥淚 am absolutely thrilled to be presenting the 蜜芽传媒 Make a Difference Awards in Scotland. The stories of kindness, courage, and community spirit from every corner of the country are nothing short of inspiring. A massive congratulations to all the nominees and our fantastic finalists. You are all making Scotland proud. I cannot wait to celebrate with you and reveal the winners this September.鈥�

Michelle McManus said: 鈥淚 am so proud to be part of the 蜜芽传媒 Make a Difference Awards in Scotland. The stories we have heard of people going above and beyond for their communities have been nothing short of incredible. A massive well done to all the nominees and our amazing finalists.鈥�

Winners will be announced at the 蜜芽传媒 Make a Difference Awards in Scotland ceremony in Glasgow next month with results announced on Monday 29 September on 鈥楳ornings鈥� with Kaye Adams.

For more information, full terms and our privacy notice, please visit bbc.co.uk/makeadifference

Categories and finalists

The Active Award

Awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.

• Jo Holland (Elgin) received a nomination for her role in creating Parkinson's Beats, a drumming exercise program that enhances the health and wellbeing of people with Parkinson's throughout Scotland.
• Lochlan Murdoch (Cumnock) was nominated for raising both funds and awareness of Type 1 Diabetes and mental health over the past five years, using sport as a focal point for making others feel safe and understood.
• Greig Taylor鈥檚 (Bo鈥檔ess) efforts have helped to provide access to football for children and adults with cerebral palsy and acquired head injuries. Supported by Greig鈥檚 efforts over the past two decades, multiple players have over 100 caps representing their country and have travelled the world with the Scottish National CP team.
• Lesley Mackenzie (Edinburgh) serves as an inspiration and a role model for many young people who benefit from the wellbeing support provided through drop-in football sessions in Craigmillar, Edinburgh.

The judges for this award are Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill. The stars of 蜜芽传媒 Scotland's Jules and Greg's Wild Swim, Julie and Greg are a Scottish TV power couple, with credits including Balamory, Scot Squad, Chewin' The Fat and Still Game.

The Animal Award

Awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people鈥檚 lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.

• Hero Paws (Fife) was nominated for its tireless work retraining and rehoming retired service dogs, offering them the peaceful retirement they deserve and preventing unnecessary euthanasia - despite operating without a permanent sanctuary.
• Burntisland Hedgehog Haven has shown extraordinary dedication to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick and injured hedgehogs. The charity is run almost single-handedly by Sharon and Andy Longhurst from their home and also educates people on the hedgehog鈥檚 plight.
• Rannoch and Agnes Allan (Dalgety Bay) were nominated for their dedicated support to Donibristle Primary鈥檚 鈥楻ead to the Dog鈥� sessions, helping pupils grow in literacy confidence, while also breaking down barriers and misconceptions about the deaf community. Rannoch comes to the school weekly with her owner Agnes and listens to the pupils read.
• Halfpenny Farm Animal Sanctuary (Kintore) has shown unwavering commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating vulnerable animals, while also creating an inclusive, supportive environment for volunteers of all backgrounds.

The judge for this award is Clare Grogan. From Gregory's Girl, Altered Images and Red Dwarf, Clare Grogan is a true Scottish icon within the fields of presenting, acting and music.

The Community Group Award

Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.

• Menopause Aberdeen provides a vital support network for thousands of women navigating menopause. Created by Andrea McDougall, the organisation offers a safe, empowering space for shared experiences, expert advice, and peer support.
• Mind the Men (Glasgow) offers life-saving peer support groups that provide men with a safe, non-judgemental space to talk and connect. It provides vital mental health support through weekly meetings and social activities that combat isolation.
• Julie Morrison (Glasgow) founded Baby Loss Retreat, a charity offering counselling, trauma therapy, and retreat support to grieving parents. Driven by her own experience of stillbirth and a decade-long fight for justice, Julie has helped over 2,000 families navigate baby loss with compassion and advocacy.
• Fairlie Childcare (Fairlie) was nominated for creating a community-led childcare service in the rural village of Fairlie. Run by dedicated parent volunteers, it fosters intergenerational connections, environmental learning, and inclusive support for working families.

The judge for this award is Judith Ralston. Judith is one of the UK's most popular weather presenters and also fronts the popular 蜜芽传媒 Scotland programme Scotland鈥檚 Greatest Escape alongside pal Grado.

The Fundraiser Award

Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.

• Colin Morrison (Tobermory) was nominated for raising over 拢50,000 for local charities through his photography project A Bin Man鈥檚 View of Mull and Iona. A full-time bin lorry driver, he takes pictures on his route, posts them to his ever-growing social media following and has turned them into popular charity calendars.
• Pauline Moriarty (Troon) is recognised for her extraordinary strength, compassion and dedication to raising funds for her charity Beautiful Inside and Out. After losing her daughter to suicide, Pauline founded the charity which supports those affected by suicide through counselling and therapy.
• Frances Carlaw (Kippen) moved to Kippen a few years ago and has made a huge impact on the village hall through exceptional fundraising and leadership. Since being elected Chair of the Village Hall committee, Frances has secured over 拢115,000 in under a year to deliver major upgrades and create a vibrant, inclusive space for all ages in the community.
• Dougie and Craig Potter (Irvine) have raised over 拢34,000 for Heart Reach UK鈥檚 Heart of Scotland appeal. After losing their beloved Theresa 鈥� Craig鈥檚 mother and Dougie鈥檚 wife 鈥� from a heart attack, the pair decided to turn their grief into something positive, naming themselves 鈥楾eam Theresa鈥� and fundraising tirelessly in her honour.

The judge for this award is Laura Main. Aberdeen born and bred star of both stage and screen, Laura has been a series regular from the very first series of popular 蜜芽传媒 One drama Call the Midwife.

The Green Award

Awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.

• Donald Graham and Laura Deans (Inverness) were nominated for transforming lives through New Start Highland Gardens - offering over 11,000 opportunities for people facing crisis to improve their wellbeing through horticulture, environmental conservation, and community connection.
• Mary Morton founded Edinburgh Street Stitchers, a volunteer group promoting sustainable fashion by teaching clothing repair. The organisation raises awareness of the impact of textile waste and has even taken textile-mending workshops to the parks or streets of Edinburgh.
• Phil and Clare Boardman (Thurso) tirelessly release, rescue, rehabilitate, and release seals along the Caithness coastline at Caithness Seal Rehab & Release. They run the facility with total dedication, often caring for pups over several months with limited resources.

The judge for this award is Blythe Duff. A stalwart of the classic STV detective series Taggart, Blythe portrayed Jackie Reid from 1984 to 2011. Blythe also treads the boards on Broadway and the West End.

The Great Neighbour Award

Awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.

• Jane Finnie (Glasgow) has shown a tireless dedication to helping others in her neighbourhood. At 90 years old, Jane helps those in her complex through befriending, cooking for those who don't have the capacity and supporting neighbours with dementia so that their carers can take time to themselves. Jane has also helped run a Thursday club for the elderly for the past 20 years.
• Allan Munro (Cromarty) has given years of selfless service to his neighbourhood, gritting streets in hazardous conditions to protect vulnerable residents and even purchasing his own small gritter. 17-year-old Allan has more recently joined the Cromarty and District Community Council ensuring the voices of young people are heard with the decision makers.
• Kate Fromings (Cumbernauld) has transformed her neighbourhood into a thriving community garden. Once an unused area, Kate has brought together over 20 children and their families to learn about growing food, connect with nature, and build lasting friendships through creative, inclusive activities and events.

The judge for this award is Nathan Evans. Airdrie's sea shanty sensation Nathan Evans first gained fame on TikTok, before he stormed to the top of the UK charts in March 2021 with Wellerman.

The Volunteer Award

Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.

• Samar Sheikh (Hamilton) was nominated for her decades of dedicated volunteering at Lanarkshire Carers. Since joining the organisation, Samar founded an international women鈥檚 peer support group, improved access for carers from minority ethnic backgrounds, and helped grow the charity鈥檚 reach from 5,000 to over 16,000 carers as Chair of the Board.
• Liza Quin (Buckhaven) founded Autism Rocks Fife, a volunteer-run charity supporting over 3,600 autistic individuals and their families. Drawing upon her experiences as a parent of an autistic child, Liza created the organisation to provide a safe, inclusive space for connection, learning, and joy.
• Nazarii Lialiuk (Glasgow) was nominated for his exceptional leadership and volunteer work, supporting newly arrived Ukrainians through education and cultural events to enhance their sense of belonging. Nazarii has helped launch Scotland鈥檚 first Ukrainian school, mentored students, and represented youth voices nationally as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The judge for this award is Forbes Masson. Scottish actor, writer and director, Forbes has been involved in countless productions from Victor and Barry and The High Life, to roles in numerous West End plays and with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The Young Hero Award

Awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.

• Arianna Corrieri was nominated for her extraordinary courage and care - at just 10 years old, she has selflessly supported her parent through serious health challenges, administering emergency aid, calling ambulances, and putting others before herself every single day.
• Jacob McDonald received a nomination for his inspiring fundraising efforts in memory of his mum. At just 8 years old, he has raised over 拢20,000 for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust through eight major bridge walks and with his Dad has tours shops, stores, shopping centres with pop up stands to promote the Trust.
• Mariya Javed has raised over 拢32,000 for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) awareness, research, and bereavement support. After losing her brother very suddenly to this hidden and previously undiagnosed brain condition, Mariya set up the Another Star in the Sky fund in association with the Glasgow Children鈥檚 Hospital Charity.
• Callum Clydesdale was nominated for his quick thinking and compassion at just 13 years old. After spotting during his paper round that his neighbour hadn鈥檛 collected the papers at his door from the previous day, he raised the alarm and helped ensure they received urgent care, giving the family precious time to say goodbye.

The judge for this award is Sheli McCoy. CrossFit athlete, weightlifter and television personality, Sheli set three Scottish weightlifting records in 2023, the same year she filmed her first appearances as Sabre for 蜜芽传媒 One's Gladiators.

蜜芽传媒 Radio nan G脿idheal Award

Awarded to an inspiring individual or group of community heroes nominated by 蜜芽传媒 Radio nan G脿idheal listeners.

• John Morrison (Harris) owned a shop in Harris and was known for his daily grocery deliveries to elderly and isolated customers, consistently going above and beyond by helping with household tasks such as hanging washing, changing light bulbs, reading meters, chopping turnips, carrying coal, and lighting fires during winter.
• Lorna Cormack (Skye) is a cherished figure in the community, especially in Portree, where she has spent decades organising events like the local pantomime, 鈥淟ight Up Portree,鈥� and successfully reviving 鈥淪kye Week,鈥� enriching the island with opportunities for performance, celebration, and Scottish cultural traditions.
• The Cancer Research UK Committee on the Isle of Lewis, made up of 25 dedicated women aged from their twenties to late eighties, has raised over 拢1.2 million through community-driven events like their sell-out annual Ladies鈥� Lunch, and this year marks their 50th anniversary of tireless fundraising and local support.
• Seonag Anderson (Inverness) is a powerhouse fundraiser in the Highlands and Islands, using all her holidays to organise events like ceilidhs, raffles, and Ladies Nights for various local charities, all under her own brand 鈥淭eam Seonag鈥�. She is as well known for her infectious laugh as for her tireless generosity.

The judge for this award is Kerry MacPhee. Kerry is a Professional Mountain Biker, former Scottish Mountain Bike Champion and was the first woman from the Western Isles to compete in the Commonwealth Games. Kerry is a Gaelic language advocate, a presenter and a regular contributor to television and radio programmes.

MG

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