Four national award nominations have put High Life Highland in the spotlight, recognising remarkable stories of personal determination, community kindness and the difference local services make to people’s lives.

The charity has been shortlisted in four categories at the 2026 Community Leisure UK Seriously Social Awards, with winners set to be announced in Glasgow on 25 November.

The nominations celebrate the work of Inverness Botanic Gardens, the Craig MacLean Leisure Centre in Grantown on Spey and Active Schools volunteer basketball coach Bryan Stevens.

Inverness Botanic Gardens & Café has earned two nominations, recognising its commitment to inclusion and environmental sustainability.

Its GROW Gardeners programme has been shortlisted in the Inclusion category for helping people with additional support needs and learning disabilities develop confidence, independence and skills that can open doors to employment.

Through practical gardening and learning experiences, participants are given opportunities to develop their abilities in a supportive environment where their contributions are valued.

The Gardens have also been recognised in the Environment category for an approach that brings renewable energy, horticulture, food production, biodiversity and waste reduction together.

The emphasis is on making sustainability part of everyday operations while demonstrating how environmental responsibility and community wellbeing can work alongside one another.

In Grantown on Spey, the Craig MacLean Leisure Centre has been shortlisted for the People Above Profit award following its support for local resident Jon Wood.

Jon faced an extraordinary challenge when he decided to become a living donor for his son, Archie, in a lifesaving operation.

Recognising the physical and emotional demands ahead, the leisure centre team helped him improve his fitness, lose weight and prepare for the procedure.

Their encouragement and practical support became part of a deeply personal journey for a father determined to help his son.

The fourth nomination recognises Bryan Stevens, whose dedication to young people in Inverness has earned him a place on the Outstanding Volunteer Award shortlist.

Bryan has volunteered as a basketball coach with High Life Highland’s Active Schools programme since 2016, sharing his experience and enthusiasm with children across the area.

A successful wheelchair basketball player who lives with spina bifida, Bryan now uses his sporting knowledge to encourage the next generation.

He delivers weekly basketball sessions for more than 40 children while also organising tournaments and activities during school holidays.

His nomination recognises the time, commitment and opportunities he has given young people over the past decade.

High Life Highland Chief Executive Steve Walsh said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to see High Life Highland shortlisted in four categories at these prestigious awards.

“Each nomination tells a different story, but they all share a common theme: people making a positive difference in their communities.

“Whether it’s creating opportunities for people with additional support needs, leading the way on sustainability, supporting families through life’s biggest challenges, or volunteering countless hours to inspire young people, these nominations showcase the very best of High Life Highland.

“We are incredibly proud of everyone involved.”

The Seriously Social Awards recognise leisure and cultural trusts making a difference in communities throughout the UK.

For High Life Highland, the four nominations bring together very different achievements, from helping a father prepare to donate to his son to giving children opportunities to enjoy sport and supporting people to develop new skills.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on 25 November.