Renfrewshire Council

Sport Award (sponsored by ACRE Industrial Services)

Winner: OB's Muay Thai

OB's Muay Thai gym is based in Johnstone. Over the years, founder John has dedicated his time to creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe space for children and adults to train in Muay Thai boxing, learn self-defence and improve their fitness. The gym is open to anyone from any background of any age and currently has over 170 members, with many members of the gym winning Scottish, European and World Champion titles. John has made significant contributions to youth engagement in the local community, teaching discipline, respect and perseverance through the many youth programmes and providing a positive outlet for young people.

Community Group (sponsored by City Gate Construction)

Winner: Autastic Club

Mums Angela and Ashley set up Autastic Club in 2021 to provide opportunities for children with additional support needs after being unable to find clubs and activities in the area that were suitable for their own children, who both have autism. The group run two sessions every week at Johnstone Community Sports Hub, and offer activities like inflatables, Lego, imaginative play and have a variety of toys available for the kids to try. Parents credit the group with allowing their children to make friends, grow their confidence, have fun and be themselves without any judgement.

Arts and Culture (sponsored by Renfrewshire Council)

Winner: Myra Mack

Myra's time with Renfrew Burgh Band has spanned almost 50 years and she has been fundamental in both strengthening the band itself and in bringing joy through the power of music to the community of Renfrew and beyond. Myra manages everything from organising rehearsals and performances to overseeing administrative tasks and strategic planning for the band's future. She mentors new members, finds opportunities for the band to participate in local events and has helped the band secure collaborations with renowned soloists. In 2023, Myra was awarded a Life Membership to the Scottish Brass Band Association, highlighting her commitment and dedication to music.

Community Volunteer (sponsored by Glasgow Airport Ltd)

Winner: Jean Gallagher

Jean has volunteered at Johnstone Castle Learning Centre for 25 years, including giving up her time three nights a week to run the youth club. Her priority is giving young people somewhere safe to spend time with their friends and somewhere they know they will be listened to and supported. Jean works tirelessly to raise funds for the group, organises weekly activities and plans day trips for during the school holidays. Alongside her work with the youth club, Jean also supports other groups who use the centre. Jean is well known in the Johnstone Castle community and was nominated for the difference she makes to the lives of local people.

Employee of the Year (sponsored by UNISON Renfrewshire)

Winner: Jodie Pope

Jodie works at Sue Ryder charity shop in Renfrew and was nominated for a Community Award by her customers who say she goes above and beyond every day. Jodie, who graduated from Glasgow School of Art, loves interacting with customers and hearing their stories. Customers feel like the shop is more of a community hub, and that Jodie provides a space for people to check in and feel like someone is there for them. Alongside offering exceptional customer service, Jodie has regularly given advice to customers, kept items aside for them that she thinks they might like, and once called the police out of concern for a regular customer she hadn't seen for a few days.

Provost's Award for Outstanding Achievement

Winner: Craig Ferguson

Walking from Glasgow to Munich for the Euros seemed like a crazy idea at first, but something about it stayed with Craig, and the more he thought about it, the more he realised he needed to do it. Last summer, Craig embarked on the 1,017 mile walk that would take him through Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, aiming to arrive in Munich for the tournament's opening game. He was inspired to take on the challenge and raise money and awareness for men's mental health, as young men are often able to bond over a shared interest in football. In the end, Craig raised over £77,000 for mental health charity Brothers in Arms and attracted both national and international attention, raising awareness of men's mental health worldwide.

2025 award sponsors

The Community Group award is sponsored by City Gate Construction and celebrates the organisations in Renfrewshire that have a positive effect on their communities.

Sponsored by Glasgow Airport, the Community Volunteer award recognises those who give their time and effort for nothing more than the knowledge that they are making a difference to their community.

Perennial award sponsor Acre Industrial will present the Sports Award which recognises individuals or groups who have achieved success in competition as a competitor or a coach, or have used sport as a tool for health and wellbeing.

Employee of the Year is sponsored by UNISON and encourages nominations for employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for their employer.

The Arts and Culture award has been created, sponsored by Renfrewshire Council, which seeks out the hidden, or not so hidden, gems who light up Renfrewshire's cultural scene.

The Provost's Award for Outstanding Achievement was created by Provost Lorraine Cameron, to recognise one nomination out of all categories who have gone above and beyond for their community.