The winners of the Provost’s Community Champion Awards for 2026 have been unveiled.
Dozens of local people were nominated by others in the community who wanted to see them recognised for the selfless work they do to benefit others.
Provost Gillian Renwick and Depute Provost Colette McDiarmid reviewed every entry and following a difficult judging process, the following people were named as this year’s Champions, across six categories:
- Arts & Heritage Champion – Don Martin MBE
- Caring Champion – Eleanor Allan
- Community Champion – Luke Rooker
- Sports Champion – Barry Peacock
- Sustainability Champion– Karen Bathie
- Young Champion – Alexander Dalziel
In May, the Provost and Depute Provost launched the search for this year’s Champions – a call for local people to nominate unsung heroes who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others. Anyone who makes an outstanding contribution through volunteering, fundraising or any other selfless act was eligible.
All winners have been contacted and will receive their Award over coming weeks at which point we will showcase their stories and share just why they are being recognised in this special way.
Provost Renwick said, “Every year, it gets harder to pick from all the entries as we are fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals working away in our towns and villages, sharing their time and talents to help their community. We have picked six truly worthy winners and I can’t wait to meet them all to find out more about them and the projects they are involved in.
“It’s a small thing to acknowledge people in this way but so important as they are the lifeblood of many of our local groups and organisations. My thanks to everyone who submitted nominations. It was a joy to read about all the achievements of so many wonderful people from across the area.”
