Some of the proud winners of the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards 2025. Image - Celebrate Aberdeen
Aberdeen Inspired has welcomed Celebrate Aberdeen founder Morven Mackenzie being presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at a glittering ceremony recognising the Granite City’s third sector organisations.
The honour was announced at the sixth annual Celebrate Aberdeen Awards at the weekend when winners were also announced in eight categories from a shortlist of 24 finalists.
Morven was lauded 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
She founded Celebrate Aberdeen and its annual parade in 2011 followed by the awards in 2018. Morven announced earlier this year that she was stepping back from her role of heading up the CA activities.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired – one of the sponsors of the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards – said he was delighted to see Morven in the spotlight at the award ceremony she founded.
“No one has worked harder or done more than Morven to ensure the third sector in Aberdeen gets the recognition and praise it so richly deserves,” he said.
“Celebrate Aberdeen does exactly that – it celebrates the spirit of caring and community that makes the Granite City such a wonderful place to live, work and play – culminating in the awards ceremony that is one of the highlights of the year. None of that would have happened without Morven.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
“Our congratulations, too, to the eight winners on the evening at the splendid ceremony in the Chester Hotel – along with all the finalists. All of them do so much to improve lives, better their communities and embody the true spirit of Aberdeen.”
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.