Winners announced for BBC Scotland Make a Difference Awards

Arianna Corrieri won the Young Hero prize at the awards run by BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal

The winners of the BBC Make a Difference Awards in Scotland 2025 have been announced.

The accolades recognised community heroes who do incredible things for each other and their local communities.

There were 33 finalists across nine categories, and the winners were announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Sunday.

The awards, which involved BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, were led by presenters Kaye Adams and Michelle McManus.

The winners and highly commended prize-winners were announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Sunday night

Kaye said she was "blown away" by the compassion, creativity and courage shown by all the finalists.

She said: "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 added: "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."

'Fun with a drum'

Jo Holland, of Elgin, won the Active Award in recognition of her role in creating Parkinson's Beats - a drumming exercise programme that enhances the health and wellbeing of people with Parkinson's throughout Scotland.

She said "I'm amazed, there are so many people that are doing such great work and I'm just having fun with a drum."

The judges for this award were Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill - the stars of BBC Scotland's Jules and Greg's Wild Swim.

Agnes Allan, of Dalgety Bay, and her dog Rannoch picked up the Animal Award.

They make weekly visits to the town's Donibristle Primary for "Read to the Dog" sessions, which involve pupils reading stories to Rannoch to help their confidence in literacy.

Rannoch takes a well-earned rest during the excitement of the awards ceremony.

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."

The judge was Altered Image singer Clare Grogan, whose acting career has included Gregory's Girl and Red Dwarf.

She said: "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 was won by Julie Morrison, of Glasgow, who set up Baby Loss Retreat, a charity offering counselling, trauma therapy, and retreat support to grieving parents.

Julie, who has had her own experience of stillbirth, has helped more than 2,000 families.

She said of her win: "It makes me feel so happy. I think I'm still in shock."

BBC Scotland weather presenter Judith Ralston judged this category.

She 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."

She added: "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."

Troon's Pauline Moriarty took home the Fundraiser Award.

She set up the charity Beautiful Inside and Out after losing her daughter Jenna to suicide. It supports people affected by suicide through counselling and therapy.

Pauline said: "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."

Aberdeen-born Call the Midwife star Laura Main chose the winner of this section.

Donald Graham and Laura Deans, of Inverness, won the Green Award for transforming lives through New Start Highland Gardens.

It offers opportunities for people who are facing a crisis in their lives to improve their wellbeing through horticulture, environmental conservation, and community connection.

Taggart star Blythe Duff had the task of forensically examining the shortlist for this section.

She said: "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."

Ninety-year-old Jane Finnie, of Glasgow, scooped the Great Neighbour prize.

She helps others in her housing complex through befriending and cooking, and supports neighbours with dementia so that their carers can take time to themselves.

Jane has also helped run a Thursday club for older people for the past 20 years.

Her daughter Jacqueline collected the award on her behalf and said: "Jane is incredible, she really is for her age."

Airdrie's sea shanty sensation Nathan Evans was the category's judge.

The Volunteer accolade went to Liza Quin, from Buckhaven, who founded Autism Rocks Fife, a volunteer-run charity supporting more than 3,600 autistic people and their families.

Liza drew on her experiences as a parent of an autistic child to create the organisation which provides a safe, inclusive space for connection, learning and joy.

She said: "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."

Scottish actor, writer and director Forbes Masson had the job of picking the Volunteer Award winner.

Young heroes

Kaye Adams, left, and Gladiator star Sheli McCoy stand with the highly commended award winners from the Young Hero category

The Young Hero category was open to under 16s and it was won by Motherwell schoolgirl Arianna Corrieri.

The 10-year-old helps care for her mum Louise, who for the past five years has struggled with several illnesses.

She said: "I was very surprised that I won."

Her mum added: "I genuinely wouldn't get through a day without Arianna.

"When I'm totally lacking, she's right there."

The judge for this award was Sheli McCoy - a CrossFit athlete, weightlifter and BBC One Gladitors star Sabre.

She 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."

The BBC Radio nan Gàidheal Award was set up for an inspiring individual or group of community heroes nominated by the network's listeners.

Winner Seonag Anderson was described as a "powerhouse fundraiser" in the Highlands and Islands.

She spends her holidays organising ceilidhs, raffles and ladies nights fundraisers for various local charities.

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."

She added: "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."

Kerry MacPhee, a former Scottish mountain bike champion and the first woman from the Western Isles to compete in the Commonwealth Games, was the judge.

She said: "It was near impossible to choose from a shortlist of folk so alike in their kindness, generosity and community benevolence.

"In the end, it was Seonag's relentless commitment to her cause that won me over."