20 Aug 2025
When the Inspiring City Awards were relaunched earlier this year by The Herald, in collaboration with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, the aim was to seek out organisations and initiatives that were enhancing the life of the city through their social, environmental, cultural and economic activities.
The catalyst was the 850th anniversary of the granting of Glasgow’s charter, an event which triggered the transformation of a small community on the banks of the River Clyde into Scotland’s largest city. Through centuries of trade, shipping and industrialisation and with new arrivals swelling its population, Glasgow has forged a unique identity that continues to evolve today.
Susan McKay, Commercial Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "The return of the Inspiring City Awards allows Glasgow to celebrate the remarkable organisations that make our city so special. These awards are a perfect way to spotlight the exceptional legacy of our city as we celebrate Glasgow's 850th anniversary.
"The calibre of this year’s finalists is a testament to the creativity, generosity, and resilience that define Glasgow.
"Congratulations to all those shortlisted- you are the heartbeat of a city that flourishes both locally and on the world stage."
The finalists come from fields as diverse as sports, economic development, music and social integration, but they all share that same spirit of optimism and energy that has been the driving force throughout Glasgow’s long and proud history.
Amongst the finalists for the 850 Legacy Award are the Active Life Club, a sports, creative arts and employability charity that has been transforming lives on the South Side for over 20 years, and Glasgow’s City of Poets, which is dedicated to making language and literature part of daily life.
The line-up for the Arts & Culture Award includes the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s ‘Scotland’s Studio’ recording space and The Glasgow Barons, who develop live musical performances in Govan.
From Pitman Training to Allied Vehicles Ltd, the Economic Impact Award will recognise those organisations that are developing skills and opportunities while the finalists in the Environmental Award category: EGG Lighting, Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow Wood and WEEE Scotland Ltd, which recycles electronic equipment headed to landfill, are all making an important impact on a city that was built on coal and steel.
From the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust to The Empire Cafe, whose recent podcast ‘Who Owns the Clyde’ set out the history of the city’s most important artery and posed important questions about its future, those who are caring for Glasgow’s built and natural environment are amongst the finalists of the Heritage Champion Award, while amongst those organisations in the running for the Community Impact Award sponsored by BAE Systems are Baby Loss Retreat and Street Soccer.
New this year is the Community Inclusion Award and finalists include the Govan Community Project and Dr Soryia Siddique, Labour councillor for Glasgow Southside and Central ward, which covers the Gorbals and Govanhill. This category was introduced because the number and calibre of entries into the awards was so impressive that the judges decided that it was important to recognise and celebrate as many outstanding organisations and individuals as possible.
Glasgow is a city built on vision and ambition and that continues today, with City of Glasgow College, Ross Commercial Finance and Scottish Women in Business being amongst those organisations on the shortlist for the Outstanding Contribution by a Business Leader award, while in the Sport Award category, Alan Meikle of Hillhead Hockey Club, Glasgow City Foundation and The Scottish Football Partnership Trust are amongst the finalists.
The future of Glasgow lies in the hands of the young people of today so the Youth Empowerment Project Award is perhaps the most important of all those that will be handed out during the ceremony, which will take place on the afternoon of Monday, 8 September at the Radisson Blu hotel in Glasgow. Included amongst the finalists are Glasgow Life Museums, Glasgow Science Centre and Scottish Sports Futures, all with innovative youth groups, initiatives and forums designed to support the next generation of Glaswegians to thrive.
Bill Hammond, managing director, GTG Training, sponsors of the Youth Empowerment Project Award, said: “Congratulations to this year’s finalists, particularly those who have been shortlisted in our sponsored category. The strength of nominees demonstrates the wide range of activities going on across Glasgow to support young people and their local communities – creating exciting opportunities while helping to build bright futures. We can’t wait to find out which of the deserving finalists wins on the night; we’re sure it’ll be a very close call.”
Information on how to book tickets can be found on Inspiring City Awards - Newsquest Scotland Events , tickets are priced at: £110 + VAT, Table of 10 - £1100 + VAT, Table of 12 -£1320 +VAT
