Finalists Announced for Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards 2025

Some of Aberdeenshire’s most dedicated residents and committed community groups have been named as finalists in this year’s Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards.

Held each year in September, the awards are 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: “Every year, I’m amazed by the incredible stories we hear through these nominations. So many of these individuals have been making a real difference in their communities for years, often without any recognition.

“They truly symbolise the spirit of Aberdeenshire - people who care deeply, step up when there’s a need, and quietly go about making life better for others. Our finalists are a real inspiration, and I wish them all the best when the winners are announced at the finals later this year.”

The Inspiring Aberdeenshire finalists are:

Aberdeenshire’s Future Award

Eilidh Caie from Strichen

Anthony McKillop from Tarland

Madison Reid from Cornhill

Beautiful Aberdeenshire Environmental Award

Turning the Plastic Tide

Gordon Prentice from Westhill

Ury Riverside Park Group based in Inverurie

Community Spirit Award

The Rannes Hall Management Committee in Kennethmont

Darren Robertson from Portlethen

Westhill Community Resilience Group

Heart of Aberdeenshire Caring Award

Robbie Sturrock from Peterhead

Kirsten Macdonald from Banff

James Stewart from Inverurie

Inspirational Volunteer Award

Buchan Community Support Team in Peterhead

Jo Houghton-Evans from Hatton of Fintray

The ‘A Bear Named Buttony’ volunteers in Ballater

Local Hero Courage Award

Lynn Easdale from Fraserburgh

David Jarvis from Aberchirder

Riley Dennehy from Peterhead

The Cultural Award

Garlogie Beam Engine Trust

Alford Valley Community Railway

Denise Buchan from Fraserburgh

Inspiring Aberdeenshire Lifetime Achievement Award

Ewen Cameron from Lumphanan

George and Ruth Skinner from Old Rayne

Ron Reid from Inverurie

Visit www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/inspiring to find out more about the finalists.