Shortlist Announced for the Inspire Volunteering Awards 2026
Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise is delighted to share the shortlisted nominees for this year’s Inspire Volunteering Awards, celebrating the passion, dedication and impact of volunteers across Stirling.
The awards highlight the extraordinary efforts of individuals and groups who go above and beyond to support their communities, showing the vital role volunteering plays in improving lives and strengthening local connections.
Generously sponsored by NHS Forth Valley and supported by the Stirling Council Civic Hospitality Fund, the awards ceremony will take place at Stirling County Rugby Club during Volunteers’ Week in June. This year, the event will be hosted by Glasgow-based singer and performer Natalie James, bringing together nominees, local organisations and community members for an evening of recognition and celebration.
“Volunteers play a vital role in supporting health services across NHS Forth Valley and in improving the health and wellbeing of people of all ages in our communities,” said Ross McGuffie, Chief Executive of Event Sponsor NHS Forth Valley. “It’s wonderful to see so many groups, clubs, individuals and organisations being recognised at these awards, and we wish all the nominees the very best for the ceremony on 3 June.”
The judging panel, including Maggie Gorman (SVE Chair), Natalie Masterson (SVE CEO), Baillie Alasdair Tollemache, and MSYPs Lieke Van De Coterlet and Sophie Kerrigan, reviewed more than 80 nominations to select this year’s shortlist.
2026 Shortlist
Community Champion sponsored by the Thistles, Stirling
- Creative Stirling Volunteer Steering Group
- Richard McLennan, Safebase
- Cowie Rural Action Group
Culture, Arts & Faith
- Emma McGlary, Emma's Crochet Club
- Ryan Cotter, Stirling Community Media
- 15th Stirling Brownies/Guides Leaders
Environment & Heritage sponsored by FEL Scotland
- Stirling Archaeology Volunteers
- Fallin Community Garden
- Amy and Gail Hanlon, Stirling Reuse Hub
Health, Wellbeing & Sport sponsored by NHS Forth Valley
- Jamie Cramb and Liz Howie, Dementia Friendly Dunblane
- Equi-Power Riding for the Disabled Group
- Dunblane Sports Club
Heart of Gold sponsored by Scottish Fire and Rescue
- Penelope Little, PLUS Forth Valley
- Fiona MacDonald and Ian McFarlane, Change Grow Live
- Lucie Miller, Forth Valley Welcome
Outstanding Trustee sponsored by STEP
- Naomi Ross, Fallin Community Voice
- Scott Bottomley, Dunblane Soccer Club
- Ian Carmichael, Forth Valley Sensory Centre
Young Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
- Millie Boo Smith, Equi-Power RDA
- Alex Russell, Doune & Dunblane Cricket Club
- Ellie Welsh, Scottish Sports Futures/Bannockburn RFC
“It has been an absolute privilege to review this year’s nominations,” said Natalie Masterson, SVE CEO. “The standard of volunteering in our communities is truly exceptional, and making the shortlist was no easy task. Every nominee demonstrates dedication, passion and a real commitment to making a difference, which made the judging process both challenging and inspiring.”
The winners will be revealed at the Inspire Volunteering Awards ceremony in June.