Some of the North-east’s most inspiring organisations and individuals have been named as finalists in this year’s Celebrate Aberdeen Awards.
The awards, which return for the seventh year, recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution that the third sector makes to thousands of lives across Aberdeen City and Shire.
Twenty-four finalists have been shortlisted across eight award categories, with the winners being announced at the celebratory awards ceremony at the Chester Hotel on Saturday, October 31. They represent groups across the full spectrum of the charitable sector, with some making the list for the first time ever.
Commenting on both the number and calibre of award entries received, Celebrate Aberdeen volunteer Emily Findlay said: “As always, our panel of judges had an extremely tough job, whittling down outstanding submissions in all categories, to just three finalists in each group.
“The nominations, as always, were wide ranging and ever-inspiring and it’s particularly great to see organisations taking part for the first time. The region has a rich and diverse third sector and it’s good to see that diversity represented in this awards event. Congratulations to all the organisations that have taken part, and we wish our finalists all the very best on the night.”
Thanks to the generosity and financial support of sponsors, all award category finalists and their guests, will attend gala awards event for free, so that no one is unable to attend because of cost.
Joint principal sponsors for 2026 are The Wood Foundation and The Suttie Foundation. Category sponsors this year are Cala Homes, Harbour Energy, Aberdeen Inspired, Flexistore Aberdeen, Hampton, CNR International and AXV Audio Visual
This is the second event in the Celebrate Aberdeen calendar. On August 29, more than 120 third sector charities, cultural organisations, youth groups, sports clubs, and music, dance, and entertainment groups took part in the annual parade through Aberdeen city centre.
The 2026 finalists are:
Large Organisation of the Year
- Somebody Cares Scotland SCIO
- Simeon Care for the Elderly
- Befriend A Child
Small Organisation of the Year
- Aberdeen Arts Centre
- We Too!
- The Period Place
Community Impact
- Camphill Wellbeing Trust
- Aberdeen Arts Centre
- Somebody Cares Scotland SCIO
Young Supporter of the Year
- Ebony Nelson, Denis Law Legacy Trust
- Morgan Dunn, Befriend a Child
- Dani-Jack Elden, Homewards Aberdeen Coalition
Volunteer/Fundraiser of the Year
- Marius Coste, Miles of Smiles Campaign, SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health)
- Neil Marchant, The Aberdeen Day Project T/A The Bread Maker
- Glen Cairns, Aberdeen FC Community Trust
Event/Campaign of the Year
- Camphill School Aberdeen, Building Futures, Transforming Lives – Phase 1
- Aberdeen Arts Centre, Save Aberdeen Arts Centre
- We Too!, Accessible Spectra – Festival of Light 2026
Heart of the Community
- Mrs Murray’s Home for Stray Dogs and Cats
- Florence Igboayaka
- Zara Grant
Team of The Year
- Grampian Women’s Aid
- Inchgarth Community Centre
- FACEYOUTH SCIO
More information about Celebrate Aberdeen can be found at www.celebrate-aberdeen.org
