CA founder Morven Mackenzie presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award

Some outstanding examples of third sector organisations, their staff, volunteers and supporters had their achievements recognised at the sixth annual Celebrate Aberdeen Awards at the weekend.

Twenty-four finalists had been shortlisted for the eight award categories with the winners announced on the night. Morven Mackenzie, founder of Celebrate Aberdeen, was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the contribution she has made over the past 14 years to champion the incredible work carried out by the third sector across the region

Morven, who founded Celebrate Aberdeen and its annual parade in 2011 followed by the awards in 2018, announced earlier this year that she was stepping back from her role of heading up the CA activities.

The event at the Chester Hotel was attended by around 300 people who gathered to recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups and all the individuals who work for and support them make to the wider society.

Somebody Cares was named Large Organisation of the Year with the award for Small Organisation of the Year going to Home-Start Aberdeen. Individual awards went to Ailie MacIntosh, Charlie House

(Young Supporter of the Year); John MacMillan, Somebody Cares (Fundraiser/Volunteer of the Year); and Charlene Kilpatrick (Heart of the Community).

Team of the Year went to Aberdeen Youth Movement while Community Integrated Care, Peter Pan: Adventure in Neverland picked up the award for Event/ Campaign of the Year. Northfield Community Centre was named first winner of the new Community Impact of the Year Award.

“It was lovely to see so many new faces at the event this year,” said Celebrate Aberdeen volunteer Emily Findlay. “We had a lot of charities submitting nominations for the first time, several of whom were finalists and eventual winners which was great.

“Huge congratulations to all our winners, but also to our finalists, because without them Aberdeen wouldn’t be the place it is, they make our region a better place with all the work they do day and day out. They may not always think they make a difference, but they really do.

“We were also delighted this year to pay tribute to one of our own, our founder Morven. She truly is a remarkable individual and without her vision and commitment, none of this would be happening. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to her and all she has done, and continues to do to, to champion our third sector. She’s also incredibly modest about what she’s achieved, preferring to step back and let others be the public faces of Celebrate Aberdeen, so it was a real pleasure to turn the tables and shine the spotlight on her.

“A huge thanks goes to all our Celebrate Aberdeen supporters. Without them, this just wouldn’t happen. Thanks to their generosity, every shortlisted finalist at the event hosted their guests, free of charge.”

Principal sponsors for 2025 are energy sector operators CNR International and CNOOC International, both longtime supporters of Celebrate Aberdeen Awards. Other long-standing sponsors and supporters include Cala Homes, Aberdeen Inspired, Flexistore and Hampton with Harbour Energy and Dax Group coming onboard for the second year.

The awards ceremony followed on from the Celebrate Aberdeen Parade on August 23, 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 2025 winners are:

Large Organisation of the Year

Somebody Cares

Small Organisation of the Year

Home-Start Aberdeen

Community Impact

Northfield Community Centre

Young Supporter of the Year

Ailie MacIntosh, Charlie House

Volunteer/Fundraiser of the Year

John MacMillan, Somebody Cares

Event/Campaign of the Year

Community Integrated Care, Peter Pan: Adventure in Neverland

Heart of the Community

Charlene Kilpatrick

Team of The Year

Aberdeen Youth Movement