Some outstanding examples of third sector organisations, their staff, volunteers and supporters had their achievements recognised at the seventh annual Celebrate Aberdeen Awards at The Chester Hotel at the weekend. Twenty-four finalists were shortlisted for the eight award categories with the winners announced on the night. There was a double celebration for Aberdeen Arts Centre which picked up the Community Impact Award and also won Event/Campaign of the Year for the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign. Befriend a Child was named Large Organisation of the Year with the award for Small Organisation of the Year going to The Period Place while Grampian Women’s Aid won the Team of the Year Award. Individual awards went to Ebony Nelson, Denis Law Legacy Trust, (Young Supporter of the Year); Glen Cairns, Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (Fundraiser/Volunteer of the Year); and Zara Grant, Your Love Rara (Heart of the Community).
“This event highlights the diversity of third sector organisations that make such a huge difference to thousands of lives across Aberdeen city and shire,” said Celebrate Aberdeen volunteer Emily Findlay. “Many of this year’s nominations came from groups who got involved for the first time, with several of them shortlisted as finalists and others named as eventual winners which was lovely to see. “Huge congratulations to our winners but also to all the finalists. Any single one of them would have been a worthy winner and while we celebrate their achievements on this special night, what they do day in day out is worthy of celebrating all year round. Without them, life would be much more challenging and difficult for so many people. “A huge thanks goes to all our Celebrate Aberdeen sponsors and supporters. This event could not take place without them. Thanks to their generosity, every shortlisted finalist and their guests, attended the gala evening free of charge.”
Joint principal sponsors for 2026 are two prominent charitable institutions, The Wood Foundation and The Suttie Foundation. The event, which was attended by around 300 people, is also sponsored by members of the North-east’s business community including Cala Homes, Harbour Energy, Flexistore Aberdeen, Hampton, AXA Audio Visual, Breakwater and Aberdeen Inspired, many of whom are long-standing supporters of Celebrate Aberdeen. The awards ceremony followed on from the Celebrate Aberdeen Parade on August 29, which saw around 130 organisations and their supporters take part in the annual event. Celebrate Aberdeen is planned and run entirely by volunteers. In 2021, the work they do to promote the achievements of others was recognised when the team was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The 2026 winners are:
Large Organisation of the Year
Befriend a Child
Small Organisation of the Year
The Period Place
Community Impact
Aberdeen Arts Centre
Young Supporter of the Year
Ebony Nelson, Denis Law Legacy Trust
Volunteer/Fundraiser of the Year
Glen Cairns, Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust
Event/Campaign of the Year
Aberdeen Arts Centre, Save Aberdeen Arts Centre
Heart of the Community
Zara Grant, Your Love Rara
Team of The Year
Grampian Women’s Aid
