Winners announced for BBC Make a Difference Awards in Scotland

Led by ‘Mornings’ presenter Kaye Adams and ‘Afternoons’ presenter Michelle McManus, the BBC Make a Difference Awards in Scotland celebrate and recognise people who do incredible things for each other and their local communities. After difficult deliberations, 33 finalists from across Scotland have been whittled down by celebrity judges to 9 inspiring winners.

The winners were announced at the BBC Make a Difference Awards in Scotland ceremony in Glasgow this evening and listeners can hear from some of them tomorrow on Mornings with Kaye Adams on BBC Radio Scotland from 10am.

Kaye Adams said: “I am blown away by the compassion, creativity and courage shown by all the finalists. These are the people who quietly transform lives and communities, and it’s a privilege to shine a light on their stories. Scotland should be incredibly proud.”

Michelle McManus said: "The heart and soul of Scotland is on full display in these awards and every single winner is so deserving. Our winners remind us of what it truly means to make a difference, and it has been an honour to celebrate them."

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Categories and winners

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) has been crowned the winner of this award for her role in creating Parkinson's Beats, a drumming exercise programme that enhances the health and wellbeing of people with Parkinson's throughout Scotland. Jo said “I think it’s unbelievable. I’d be speechless, but I’m never speechless. I’m amazed, there are so many people that are doing such great work and I’m just having fun with a drum. I do it because I love it. It’s not work, it’s not hard, it’s just pleasure. Why wouldn’t I do it?”

The judges for this award are Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill. The stars of BBC 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. Julie and Greg said “After careful deliberation, we picked Jo as the winner of the Active Award. She has made such an impact on the health and wellbeing of people with Parkinson’s through the drumming group she helped to create - Parkinson’s Beats. Both her spirit and dedication make her such a worthy winner of this award.”

The Animal Award

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

Rannoch and Agnes Allan (Dalgety Bay) won this award for their dedicated support to Donibristle Primary’s ‘Read to the Dog’ sessions, helping pupils grow in literacy confidence. Rannoch comes to the school weekly with her owner Agnes and listens to the pupils read. Agnes said “I am so proud of Rannoch. She makes the difference. We’ve been to all sorts of places, care homes, Alzheimer’s groups, special needs classes but I love Read to the Dog the most. I love the immediate feedback, the look on the kids’ faces. I’ve not shied away in my retirement. For 10 years I’ve had something to go out and do. I’ve met so many people, people I wouldn’t meet normally. It adds to my life and it’s an absolute privilege. I am just gobsmacked.”

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. Clare said “I just kept thinking about how empowering this commitment was and that all involved in this arrangement deserved recognition. I think so many schools would benefit from a Rannoch and Agnes and hopefully highlighting and celebrating them this way would encourage others to step forward and make it happen in their own local school. I believe in the power of joy and learning to read with a dog just sounds like so much fun!”

The Community Group Award

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

Julie Morrison (Glasgow) took home this award for founding 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. Julie said “It makes me feel so happy… I think I’m still in shock!”

The judge for this award is Judith Ralston. Judith is one of the UK's most popular weather presenters and also fronts the popular BBC Scotland programme Scotland’s Greatest Escape alongside pal Grado. Judith said “I finally ended up choosing Julie and her charity Baby Loss Retreat as it very much spoke to me having lost a baby girl 24 years ago. A dreadful and life changing experience. I would have benefited greatly from such understanding and support as at the time there really was very little. This charity brings comfort, understanding and essentially support for grieving and distressed parents - no one anticipates this happening to them – I know from experience and the shock and pain are overwhelming. Well done, Julie.”

The Fundraiser Award

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

Pauline Moriarty (Troon) won this award for her extraordinary strength, compassion and dedication to raising funds for her charity Beautiful Inside and Out. After losing her daughter Jenna to suicide, Pauline founded the charity which supports those affected by suicide through counselling and therapy. Pauline said “Thank you. I was overwhelmed to be nominated and I’m even more overwhelmed now. You just do what you do, so you’re not really expecting this.”

The judge for this award is Laura Main. Aberdeen born star of both stage and screen, Laura has been a series regular from the very first series of popular BBC One drama Call the Midwife. Laura said “Pauline has showed incredible strength and determination in turning the immense tragedy of losing her lovely daughter Jenna to suicide into helping others. She has raised a phenomenal amount and the support she offers is incredibly important and sadly vital.”

The Green Award

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

Donald Graham and Laura Deans (Inverness) took home the award 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. James, from New Start Highland Gardens, accepted the award on behalf of Donald and Laura. James said “It’s fabulous. I mean it’s just thrilling for everyone at New Start Highland. We’re delighted. We thought to be a finalist was a thrill but to actually win, it will mean so much to them.”

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. Blythe said “‘I love what New Start Highland Gardens have achieved in a relatively short time. The benefits folk gain from participating are obviously helpful in themselves, but to produce something edible or beautiful to look at which others can enjoy, was especially inspiring. I like how they adapt their summer activity to make it a year-round project. I might need to grab some culinary tips! Congratulations Donald and Laura!”

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.

Winner 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. Jane’s daughter Jacqueline collected the award on her behalf and said “Jane is incredible, she really is for her age. Even with her [trouble] walking now she still goes about helping everybody. Cooking soup every week, taking it to neighbours. ‘That boy next door works too hard so I’ve left soup at his door!’ Things like that…She’s amazing, she really is amazing.”

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. Nathan said “I chose Jane as she really does sound like the best neighbour ever! The care and dedication she has shown in helping out her neighbourhood through countless acts of kindness is clear. Congratulations to Jane.”

The Volunteer Award

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

Winner 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. Liza said “It feels overwhelming. I never, I never think about me. I'm always focused on the families and when you see how that affects them - that's what does it for me. It's just very humbling for me when people come up to me and say, you know, our kids never go anywhere, never do anything, and then you see them walk through the door, the parents are terrified, but as soon as the kids come in and the shoes are kicked off and they go running, and that's why I do what I do. I’m so proud.”

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 took home the award 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. Arianna said “I was very surprised that I won!” Arianna’s mum Louise said “I thought we were winning anyway just by being here. I genuinely wouldn’t get through a day without Arianna. When I’m totally lacking, she's right there.”

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 BBC One's Gladiators. Sheli said “It was incredible to hear the compelling stories of all the young heroes and a real honour to be able to join the team as a judge. It was no easy task to select just one special winner though the story behind the outstanding individual truly deserves the recognition. Huge congratulations to Arianna.”

BBC Radio nan Gàidheal Award

Awarded to an inspiring individual or group of community heroes nominated by BBC Radio nan Gàidheal listeners.

Winner Seonag Anderson 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 “Team Seonag”. She is as well known for her infectious laugh as for her tireless generosity. Seonagh said “I wanted to give back to the small community groups who don't get anything, it gives me great joy. There's no other kindness like that of the Gaels and the islanders. I couldn't do this on my own, I'm the captain giving the orders, but I do a lot of work behind the scenes, working late and the like. It gives me great joy to work in the community and also encouraging people to participate. They may think they can't do it (fundraise/set up an event) but you can if you put your mind to it, it can be hard at times but you can achieve it, and it's good to see how people value what you do."

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. Kerry said "It was near impossible to choose from a shortlist of folk so alike in their kindness, generosity & community benevolence. In the end, it was Seonag’s relentless commitment to her cause that won me over, a trait I can really identify with! I particularly liked that the initial motivation came from a desire to pay forward the kindness she had felt when she first moved to Inverness. Invisible hands are everywhere and it’s wonderful to see that spirit carried forward."

MG

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