From transforming lives and championing inclusion to protecting the environment, High Life Highland is celebrating after being shortlisted for four prestigious national awards.
We’ve secured an unprecedented four nominations at the Community Leisure UK Seriously Social Awards, which recognise the outstanding impact leisure and cultural trusts have on communities across the UK.
The nominations shine a spotlight on the work of Inverness Botanic Gardens & Café, the Craig MacLean Leisure Centre in Grantown-on-Spey, and dedicated Active Schools volunteer Bryan Stevens.
Each nomination tells a different story, but they all share a common theme: people making a positive difference in their communities.
Chief Executive
A double shortlist for Inverness Botanic Gardens
Inverness Botanic Gardens & Café has earned an impressive double shortlist in the Inclusion and Environment categories.
The Inclusion nomination recognises the visitor attraction’s innovative nature-based learning programme – GROW Gardeners – which supports people with additional support needs and learning disabilities to build confidence, independence and employability skills through meaningful hands-on experiences in the Gardens.
Meanwhile, its Environmental nomination celebrates the way sustainability has been woven into every aspect of the attraction’s operation.
By combining renewable energy, horticulture, food production, biodiversity initiatives, waste reduction and education, the Gardens have created a thriving circular model that benefits both people and planet.
Supporting Jon on an extraordinary journey
The Craig MacLean Leisure Centre has been shortlisted in the People Above Profit category for the vital role it played in supporting local resident Jon Wood on an extraordinary personal journey.
When Jon made the decision to become a living donor in a life-saving operation for his son, Archie, our team at the centre helped him transform his fitness and wellbeing.
Through their encouragement and support, Jon improved his health, lost weight and prepared both physically and mentally for the challenges ahead.
Bryan Stevens shortlisted for Outstanding Volunteer Award
Also celebrating is Bryan Stevens, who has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Bryan has been a volunteer basketball coach with our Active Schools programme since 2016, inspiring dozens of young people every week across the Inverness area.
Despite living with spina bifida and using a wheelchair, Bryan has enjoyed a successful career in wheelchair basketball and now channels that passion into coaching the next generation.
Delivering weekly sessions to more than 40 children, alongside organising tournaments and school holiday activities, Bryan’s enthusiasm, dedication and positivity have helped create opportunities for countless young people to participate in sport.
Proud of everyone involved
Our Chief Executive Steve Walsh said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see High Life Highland shortlisted in four categories at these prestigious awards. Each nomination tells a different story, but they all share a common theme: people making a positive difference in their communities.
“Whether it’s creating opportunities for people with additional support needs, leading the way on sustainability, supporting families through life’s biggest challenges, or volunteering countless hours to inspire young people, these nominations showcase the very best of High Life Highland.
“We are incredibly proud of everyone involved.”
The winners will be announced at the Seriously Social Awards ceremony in Glasgow on 25 November.
See our shortlisted Gardens
Visit Inverness Botanic Gardens & Café and see our sustainable, inclusive approach for yourself.
