Event

The East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards 2024 will take place on Thursday, May 30 at Corn Exchange, Haddington.

The evening includes a three-course meal, entertainment from local talent and the awards presentation.

ENTRY DEADLINE

Thursday, March 28, 2024

EVENT DATE

Thursday, May 30 , 2024

EVENT TIME

6.30pm

EVENT LOCATION

Corn Exchange, 13 Court Street, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3DS

Bryan Burnett

Broadcaster

Host

Broadcaster Bryan Burnett is one of Scotland’s best known voices due to the many radio and TV programmes he has presented over the past three decades.

Aberdeen born Bryan currently presents Get It On, a nightly music show for BBC Radio Scotland and has presented a wide variety of programmes for the BBC.

For STV, Bryan presented the long running travel show Scottish Passport as well as quiz shows, documentaries and entertainment formats.

Bryan has worked on hundreds of live events ranging from hosting sporting occasions like the London Olympics, to chairing book festivals around the country.

Bryan is looking forward to celebrating the brilliant nominees who have gone all out to make East Lothian a better community.

Categories

ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD

This category celebrates a person or a business who have demonstrated a special entrepreneurial flair, and has turned this passion to help grow their local community.

SPORTING CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

For a local club/individual who is making an impact in the local sport, either on the pitch or off it. Who is the beating heart of local sport?

CHAMPION TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Everyone remembers their favourite teacher. This award recognises teachers who are bringing learning to life by engaging and inspiring all children and young people to fulfil their potential.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by East Coast Buses

Rewarding a local individual, 18 years and upwards who goes out of their way to help those around them. Someone whose actions are a force for good in the community who we all benefit from making our community a better place.

YOUTH COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR AWARD – Sponsored by SSE Renewables Berwick Bank Wind Farm

We are looking for a young person between the age of 13 and 18 who volunteers and makes a significant contribution to their local community. We know kids sometimes get a bad reputation. Tell us now about the kids whose heart is in the right place.

HEART OF GOLD – Sponsored by PureMalt

This award goes to someone who has made a contribution of outstanding significance to East Lothian. We will be recognising an adult whose actions, achievements, courage or bravery have touched the lives of others and made a difference. Someone special who truly has a heart of gold.

HEALTH & CARE AWARD

The Health & Care Award will recognise the incredible health and care workers both at individual and team level, who are at the heart of our local community.

LITTLE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

To recognise an outstanding child age up to and including 12 whose achievements, courage or bravery make your heart burst with pride.

CHARITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

When it comes to charity, East Lothian is as big-hearted as you can get. This award is for an individual or group, who have dedicated their lives to supporting an amazing cause. A chance to recognise the incredible work they undertake tirelessly.

LIVE MUSIC AWARD

This award will go to a local singer, band or group who put their heart and soul into every performance, whose talent makes us all extremely proud. Our finalists will have the opportunity to perform live at the awards gala.

GREEN CHAMPION AWARD – Sponsored by Sustainable Facilities Management

This award aims to recognise an individual who strives to improve their local areas for the benefit of everyone who lives and works there. They will demonstrate the contribution they have made to their local community whilst championing sustainability. It could be through regular clean-ups, eco-friendly initiatives, or gardening – the sky is the limit!

Judges

Councillor John McMillan

Bio coming soon.

Ciara Jamieson

Stakeholder Engagement Manager – Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm

Ciara Jamieson is part of the Corporate Affairs team for SSE Renewables. Ciara joined SSE in 2012 as a Community Investment Manager for the company’s onshore wind portfolio and has since built a career there in community liaison, communications and marketing. Currently working in the stakeholder engagement team for Berwick Bank offshore wind farm, Ciara has been getting to know the communities of East Lothian and supporting local projects in the region since September 2023.

David Walker

Managing Director – Sustainable Facilities Management

Bio coming soon.

Gaynor Marshall

Communications Director – Lothian Buses

Gaynor joined Lothian in 2013 as a short-term project lead on a new ticketing campaign. Three years later, she was appointed Communications Director with overall responsibility for all internal and external communications, marketing, brand strategy, frontline customer service, retail and accessibility across the Lothian Group.

Invested in the positive impact that good communication can have on wider organisational culture, customer experience and ultimately bottom line business results, Gaynor has over 30 years of business experience. Including early stints at John Lewis and Royal Bank of Scotland, before going on to lead her own marketing consultancy where she worked with a number of different organisations.

Commercially focused with a strong background in strategic stakeholder management, Gaynor is passionate about developing talent and encouraging diversity within the wider transport industry.

Robbie Scott

Newsquest Scotland Group Editor

Bio coming soon.

FAQ

Who can enter?

Anyone can submit a nomination, but nominees must be East Lothian based.

Why should I enter?

By putting forward an individual, group or business for an award, you are helping the East Lothian Courier recognise the unsung heroes who are making a difference in communities.

How do I enter?

You must complete our entry form to submit a nomination. Head to the ‘How to Enter’ section above for instructions.

Can I enter more than one category?

You can submit as many nominations as you like across the 11 different categories. The categories and the criteria for each can be found in the ‘Categories’ section above.

What is the deadline for entries?

The entry deadline is Thursday, March 28 at 6pm.

How much does it cost?

It is free to enter the awards and all finalists will receive one free ticket to attend the ceremony (or two free tickets if aged under 18).

Additional tickets can be purchase via: East Lothian Community Champion Awards – Event – Newsquest Scotland Events

What happens next one I’ve entered?

Once you have submitted an entry, we will add your nomination to the judging pack for consideration. Once the judging has taken place, we will contact you to let you know if your entry has been shortlisted or not.

How does the judging process work?

All the entries we receive will be considered by our judging panel at the judging session in April. Please note that the shortlist and winners are decided solely by our panel and do not come down to a public vote or number of nominations received.

When will the shortlist be announced?

The shortlist will be listed in the East Lothian Courier and on this website in May.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be announced at our glittering awards ceremony on Thursday, May 30 at Corn Exchange, Haddington, East Lothian. More information on the event and tickets can be found in the ‘The Awards Ceremony’ section below.

What do I do if I have more questions?

We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have regarding the entry process or event. Please contact Alana Massie ,Event Manager , T: 07702807008, E: alana.massie@newsquest.co.uk