19 Aug 2026
An impressive line-up of exceptional organisations and individuals, all of them making a significant impact on the social, cultural and economic life of Glasgow, have been chosen as the finalists for this year's Inspiring City Awards, supported by The Herald and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
People, charities, educational establishments, commercial enterprises and representatives of the arts all feature on a shortlist that almost defies the term on account of its length, due to the number and calibre of entries received across all categories.
In the end the judges took the decision to introduce an Art and Culture (Festivals) title and to split the Community Impact Award, sponsored by Allied Vehicles, into four separate categories: Neighbourhood & Grassroots; Third Sector & Social Enterprise; Education, Skills & Employability; and Business, in order to reflect the volume and breadth of projects and initiatives operating across the city.
The result is a shortlist that includes Citizens Theatre, Glasgow Disability Alliance, The Social Hub Glasgow and the Scottish Creative Network amongst many diverse initiatives, all of them contributing to the life of the city and enhancing the wellbeing of its citizens.
Gemma Zak-Duport, Group Head of Engagement and Communications, Allied Vehicles, said: "We were blown away by both the number and calibre of entries received for the Inspiring City Awards. The strength of competition across all categories made judging exceptionally tough."
The sheer volume of finalists across all categories means that there will be huge demand for tickets to the awards ceremony, which will be held at the Glasgow Marriott on Thursday, 17 September. The evening will be a celebration of the spirit of Glasgow, a city that, after more than 850 years of growth, endeavour and achievement, is renowned for its resilience and personality as well as for its ability to adapt to new circumstances and to meet challenges with innovation.
Catherine Salmond, Editor, The Herald, said: "The Herald is proud to support the Inspiring City Awards and to celebrate the people, organisations and communities whose dedication helps make Glasgow such a vibrant, resilient and successful city. These awards shine a light on inspiring achievement and civic pride and we are delighted to play a part in recognising those who make a real difference."
During the evening, awards will be given out for achievements that have improved the economic and environmental prospects of the city; for sport, youth empowerment and for projects that have ensured the future of some of Glasgow's most treasured heritage, as witnessed by the inclusion of Friends of Crookston Castle, Langside Library A New Chapter, Govan Lyceum Development Trust and The Tall Ship Glenlee, alongside other noteworthy finalists on the shortlist.
There will also be an award for Outstanding Contribution by a Business Leader, sponsored by Virgin Money, for which the lengthy shortlist includes Jamie Hall of replacement window and door company Arctic Improvements Ltd, and Susan Aktemel of social enterprise letting agency Homes for Good, along with many others.
David Henderson, Head of Strategic Finance, West of Scotland, Virgin Money, said: "Virgin Money would like to congratulate all of the shortlisted finalists, whose selection reflects a year of significant achievement, impact and leadership. Being recognised at this stage is a clear testament to the standard of work delivered over the past 12 months.
In particular, the finalists in the Outstanding Contribution by a Business Leader category exemplify the drive, vision and commitment required to make a lasting difference within Glasgow's business community, and we wish them every success as the awards progress."
From Easterhouse Henosis, who rescued, reopened and now operate Easterhouse Sports Centre, to Glasgow Airport, Interfaith Glasgow, Glasgow Afghan United, Scottish Opera and Enable Works, who provide employment and training for people with learning disabilities, there is almost no aspect of the life of Glasgow that is not represented amongst the finalists for this year's awards. That in itself is a testament to the rich cultural and community life of a city that, after so many centuries of evolution, continues to teem with vivacity and purpose.
Susan McKay, Commercial Director, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, who along with The Herald have reinstated these awards, said: "The Inspiring City Awards give Glasgow the chance to celebrate the organisations that make this city what it is, and this year's shortlist is a strong reflection of that.
The standard of this year's finalists is a testament to the creativity, resilience and ambition that define Glasgow's business community. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted."
Judges paid glowing tribute to the scope, variety and quality of the groups and individuals who make up the finalists in this year's Inspiring City Awards, supported by The Herald and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. The article was written by Agnes Stevenson.
Tickets are on sale via the Newsquest Scotland Events website.
2026 Finalists
Art & Culture Award
Art & Culture Award - Festivals
Community Impact Award – Business – sponsored by Allied Vehicles
Community Impact Award – Education, Skills & Employability – sponsored by Allied Vehicles
Community Impact Award – Neighbourhood & Grassroots – sponsored by Allied Vehicles
Community Impact Award – Third Sector & Social Enterprise – sponsored by Allied Vehicles
Economic Impact Award
Environmental Award
Heritage Champion Award
Outstanding Contribution by a Business Leader – Sponsored by Virgin Money
Sport Award
Youth Empowerment Project Award
