The evening began with a spectacular performance from In Step Dance Group, followed by opening remarks from Riley True, Vice-Chairperson of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council. The audience then heard the inspirational stories of the young finalists, who had been shortlisted from over 130 nominations with the final category winners announced on the night.
The winners of the categories were:
Sport – Club 180: Junior Darts League
Club 180 darts league has become an important part of the community in Wigtownshire by creating a safe welcoming and fun environment for young people. It offers somewhere positive for young people to go in their free time, giving them the chance to try something new, build confidence and develop skills. One of the most striking and valuable aspects of the club is the way it promotes sportsmanship and respect. Players are encouraged to support one another, celebrate successes and show good etiquette. This has built a positive culture of encouragement, teamwork and mutual respect that goes far beyond the darts itself.
Young Enterprise and Business – Building Futures Galloway: Whithorn Rebuild and Kings Trust Programme
The Whithorn Rebuild and King’s Trust Programme is more than just a training scheme it is a movement of young people reshaping their own futures and breathing new life into their town. Through peer mentoring, enterprise and heritage they show what can be achieved when young people are empowered. Once derelict buildings and neglected spaces are being restored and upgraded making the community more vibrant and welcoming. Families, neighbours and community members can see first-hand the transformation that happens when young people are trusted supported and given the opportunity to shine.
Culture, Arts and Entertainment – Ribbons Ginnelly
Ribbons is a shining example of how young people can lead, inspire and create change for communities through the arts. Their volunteer work has impacted dozens of young people, offering somewhere they can perform, share their talents and feel like they belong. Ribbons has used their professional training and own musical talent to help build the next generation of young performers in Castle Douglas.
Young Volunteer – Max Heughan
Everything that Max does is for a reason, whether that is ensuring people are fed, reducing loneliness and isolation, improving services and facilities or creating new opportunities for young people. He brings creativity, passion and dedication to it all and he himself gets so much out of giving back to his community. Max demonstrates the values and qualities of someone who will give everything for the local community and the local people.
Unsung Hero – Connor Armitage
Connor has been a youth volunteer with Police Scotland since January 2023. He demonstrates commitment by volunteering in his local community with PSYV Dumfries. He makes an effort in all activities and is seen to be a youth volunteer with the developing skills of a future leader. Connor has left school and volunteers at a local care home where he loved speaking with the elderly patients and spending his time with them.
Equality and Diversity – Stranraer Young Leaders: Stranraer Pantry Project
The Stranraer Youth Pantry has made a huge difference to local young people and the wider community. For many facing food poverty it has provided vital support at a time of real need. By offering free food, household items and hygiene products the youth pantry has lifted pressure from households struggling with the rising costs of living and given young people choice, dignity and security. For young people the project has created a sense of equality, making sure that no one is left out because of financial hardship. It has removed barriers so that young people can take part in activities, go to school with confidence and enjoy the same opportunities as their peers.
Group of the Year – Guild of Gaming
The Guild of Gaming started up their group from scratch to provide a fun, inclusive place for young people to enjoy socialising and playing board games. They work incredibly hard to create a thriving space that's well supported, and a massively needed addition to Dumfries. They've not only created a physical space for playing games together they have created a really special community of kind, inclusive, friendly, like minded people. They have created somewhere for people to feel they belong, a safe space to express themselves and share their hobbies and interests.
Youth Worker of the Year (Paid) – Haylie Crosbie
Haylie has worked with several groups to support young people towards a more positive destination in life. Though some of the groups have presented Haylie with many challenges, her dedication and commitment to the young people involved, keep her motivated and positive towards the groups achieving positive outcomes. Haylie’s experience and knowledge is a valuable asset not only to the young people who attend but to the communities the groups are held in.
Youth Worker of the Year (Volunteer or Volunteer Involving Organisation) – Callum Meier
Callum is an invaluable member of the Dumfries YMCA team, taking the initiative to plan and deliver sessions based on consultation with young people. Not only does he support the outreach work, but he also supports the P6/7 transition group and has quickly developed positive and meaningful relationships with the young people, becoming a positive male role model. He encourages the young people to take part and achieve the challenges they have set.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Paul Chisholm
Dave Bleasdale
The evening closed by Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Tracey Little, who in her address spoke of the importance of Youth Work in communities across Dumfries and Galloway and congratulated the young people in Dumfries and Galloway for continuing to deliver high quality and inspirational work in their communities.
Speaking after the event, Councillor Little said:
“All the finalists from the Dumfries and Galloway Youth Awards are truly inspiring, and I take immense pride in their accomplishments. It was wonderful to celebrate with them all tonight. Youth work is thriving in communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway, and we should take pride in that as a region. The Youth Awards provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate the wonderful achievements of young people in Dumfries and Galloway.
Following a live audience vote on the evening, winner of the Culture, Arts and Entertainment Award, Ribbons Ginnelly was named the 'Young Person of the Year 2025'.
Vice-Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, Councillor George Jamieson, said:
“We are deeply thankful to our funders at the National Lottery and the Young Game Changers Fund for making the Dumfries and Galloway Youth Awards 2025 a reality. I want to take this moment to congratulate all the winners and finalists, as well as those who received certificates. Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to every young individual from Dumfries and Galloway for all of their hard work and dedication over the past 12 month, and hope that it inspires more young people to become active participants in their own communities”
To see pictures from this year’s event, please visit www.dgyouthawards.com