After receiving an overwhelming number of nominations, we can now reveal the shortlist for the High Life Highland i-care People's Choice Award.
Our annual i-care awards, named after our i-care values, are designed to recognise and celebrate the great successes that our staff and volunteers achieve every day to make life better for the people of the Highlands.
Nominated by you
This category is the only one that is open to the public. Back in June, we invited you to nominate a member of our staff or team that consistently demonstrates an outstanding level of service and has gone over and above to ensure the product, service or activity is delivered to a high standard.
Over 200 nominations were received from the public, and these have now been whittled down – with great difficulty – to just three.
Joanna Ewing, Inverness Leisure
Joanna received nine separate nominations. This is what people had to say about her:
"For her openness, motivation, and encouragement of others; for her bravery in fighting a difficult illness and inspiring people by showing that disease is not the end; and for her enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to always lend a helping hand."
"Joanna is an outstanding trainer who ensures every participant receives individual attention and support. In addition to her professional skills, she is a truly wonderful and warm individual. Thanks to her guidance, I have developed a genuine passion for working out."
"Joanna is so inspiring. I started attending her classes around a year ago and can honestly say she is the reason I have consistently attended weightlifting classes. I've made huge progress and that's down to her knowledge and encouragement. She cares deeply about those who attend and listens to people individually to find out what is important to them and what their goals are."
Iain Morrison, Mobile Library Driver
Iain received 11 nominations. This is what people had to say about him:
"Nothing is too much trouble for Iain. He engaged with my new neighbours to let them know what services the library could offer and how to access books for their children who are avid readers. A very reliable member of staff does what he says he will do without fail. I cannot praise him highly enough; he brings the sun with him even when it is raining to brighten my day."
"Iain has been our Mobile Library Librarian for some time now. He has always been so polite, friendly and helpful. He always has a smile and will meet me at my gate and carry my books over the road - he goes above and beyond his duties. We enjoy a little chat while I select books, I look forward to his visits."
"Iain is absolutely incredible and always goes above and beyond for our family. He regularly brings books for the children and takes the time to help them choose exactly the right ones. As they are neurodivergent, this process can sometimes take a while, but Iain has endless patience, kindness, and understanding."
The team at Craig Maclean Leisure Centre, Grantown-on-Spey
The team received nine nominations. Here is what customers had to say about them:
"The hyrox instructors are fabulous! They really push you and are so kind and encouraging! The lifeguard team are also fabulous! Sam's functional fitness class is amazing as is his spin class! Really well thought out and building on previous classes! The whole team at Craig Maclean are outstanding!"
"Without exception the whole team are always welcoming, polite and cheerful creating a great atmosphere in the centre. They treat everyone with respect and nothing is ever too much trouble. They have a very professional attitude and take pride in themselves and their work in what is a very busy Leisure Centre with a wide range of activities throughout the working day, in evenings and at weekends."
"Our boys have all had swimming lessons and the team is incredible. They have patience and compassion. They are professional and role models. They go above and beyond to provide the best swimming lessons."
When the winner will be announced
The winner of the People's Choice Award will be announced at our annual i-care awards celebrations on Thursday 19 November. This year the celebrations are taking place at The Inverness Castle Experience for the first time.
The 2025 People's Choice Award was won by Steve Jones from Tain and Golspie Leisure Centres. Read about last year's i-care award winners.
Our i-care values
Find out about the i-care values our staff and volunteers live every day.
