Forth Awards 2026: Celebrating the heroes and talent of Edinburgh and the East

LOCAL HEROES AND MUSIC STARS HONOURED AT THE 21ST FORTH AWARDS

The Forth Awards, sponsored by Livingston Designer Outlet, recognised the very best of Edinburgh and the East on Thursday 15th October, with Cammy Barnes, Emeli Sandé, Janice Robinson and Darrell Martin among those honoured at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.

Returning for its 21st year, the ceremony celebrated the people, businesses and organisations making a difference across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk, alongside talent from the world of music and entertainment.

Ten awards were presented throughout the afternoon, recognising everything from outstanding teachers and much-loved local restaurants to community teams and individuals whose determination continues to inspire those around them.

Read on to meet this year’s Forth Awards winners.

THE FORTH BEST RESTAURANT AWARD WITH SALTIRE HOSPITALITY

Winner: LUCA’S KITCHEN – DUNFERMLINE

Dunfermline’s Luca’s Kitchen was named this year’s Forth Best Restaurant, recognising its authentic Italian flavours, excellent food and welcoming hospitality.

Having opened in summer 2019, the family-friendly pizzeria has become a much-loved local destination, with an ice cream parlour adding something extra for diners to enjoy.

Described as a hidden gem, Luca’s Kitchen has earned consistently positive reviews and a loyal following, with its food and service making it a favourite among local diners.

THE FORTH CASH FOR KIDS AWARD WITH NEWTOWN DÉCOR

Winner: ROCCO WOOD

Rocco Wood’s story is one of extraordinary strength, determination and courage.

Born at just 28 weeks, Rocco was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and has faced significant challenges throughout his 17 years. He requires round-the-clock care, full support with moving and handling, uses a wheelchair and is PEG fed.

Forth’s Cash for Kids has supported Rocco and his family for many years, helping to fund a specialist trike to develop his strength following major spinal surgery.

More recently, the charity supported Rocco with an eye-gaze communication device, giving him a new way to express himself, communicate with those around him and share his wonderfully cheeky sense of humour.

Now at high school, Rocco is preparing to take his next steps towards greater independence. His resilience, personality and determination have made a lasting impression on everyone who knows him.

The award celebrates Rocco’s achievements and infectious cheekiness as he continues to learn, grow and embrace new opportunities.

Find out more about Cash for Kids.

THE FORTH BEST TEACHER AWARD WITH OMNI CENTRE

Winner: MATTHEW CRAWFORD – BEATH HIGH SCHOOL, COWDENBEATH

Matthew Crawford, a Guidance Teacher at Beath High School in Cowdenbeath, was recognised for his exceptional commitment to supporting pupils and their families.

His professionalism, energy and genuine passion for helping others have earned the admiration of colleagues, parents and the young people he teaches.

Matthew consistently goes beyond what is expected, with his support extending outside the school week to keep in touch with parents whenever needed.

The parents of one pupil said they did not think their daughter would still be at school without Mr Crawford’s help - a powerful reflection of the difference he makes.

His care and dedication make him this year’s deserving winner of the Forth Best Teacher Award with Omni Centre.

THE FORTH BEST WORKPLACE AWARD WITH FUSE

Winner: L.I.F.T @ MUIRHOUSE MILLENNIUM CENTRE

The team at L.I.F.T @ Muirhouse Millennium Centre took home the Forth Best Workplace Award, recognising staff who go above and beyond for their community every day.

The judges were particularly impressed by the team’s willingness to take on additional responsibilities, support vital work around knife crime and help ensure the centre remains at the heart of local life.

Described as a team who consistently put others first, the staff tackle challenges together while continuing to support the people who rely on their services.

Their commitment to each other and the wider community earned them this year’s Best Workplace Award with FUSE.

THE FORTH VISITOR ATTRACTION AWARD

Winner: FALKLAND PALACE & GARDEN

Falkland Palace & Garden was named this year’s Forth Visitor Attraction, recognising the dedication, warmth and resilience of its staff and volunteers.

Throughout a particularly challenging year, ongoing building works have meant parts of the Palace have been unavailable. Despite this, the team have continued to deliver a memorable experience, welcoming visitors and bringing Scotland’s rich history to life.

Their genuine passion and enthusiasm have helped this Fife attraction remain a special place to explore, demonstrating the difference its staff and volunteers make to every visit.

THE FORTH LOCAL HERO AWARD WITH EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS & LNER

Winner: LISA PETRIE

Lisa Petrie was honoured with this year’s Forth Local Hero Award, recognising her determination to turn an unimaginable personal tragedy into action to help others.

Following the loss of her son John in September 2025, Lisa has campaigned tirelessly for stronger retail security around knives and the wider availability of life-saving bleed control kits.

Through her campaign, she has already assembled and distributed more than 100 emergency medical bleed control kits to pubs, community centres and shops across Edinburgh and Midlothian.

Her work is helping communities become better equipped to respond to emergencies, while keeping the need for change firmly in the spotlight.

The Forth Local Hero Award recognises Lisa’s courage and her tireless work to make communities across Edinburgh and Midlothian safer.

On stage, Lisa said, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Pauline and the team at L.I.F.T. - I would have turned my face to the wall and cried, but I’ve had support and an army behind me after losing John. It’s been hard, but knowing that there’s other families out there and we can support each other, that’s what I want. These aren’t stats, these are kids, they’re human beings. I need change and I know that we will save lives and make change for John. These awards have given me more strength to keep going.”

THE FORTH BEST ARTIST AWARD WITH VICTOR PARIS

Winner: CAMMY BARNES

Fife’s own Cammy Barnes was named this year’s Forth Best Artist, celebrating a homegrown talent whose music is reaching audiences far beyond Scotland.

Born in Fife and shaped by Scotland’s musical heritage, Cammy blends country songwriting with traditional Scottish influences, creating a distinctive sound that has helped him build a growing following.

His breakout track ‘Whiskey Roll’ introduced his music to a wider audience, with further releases and festival appearances continuing his rise.

His blend of country songwriting and Scottish musical influences earned him this year’s Forth Best Artist Award with Victor Paris.

Picking up his award, Cammy said “I can’t believe I’ve just won that award! A massive thank you to all the team at Forth 1 and Clyde 1 for backing me and playing my music on the radio - it has singlehandedly changed my life. When I started this journey I just wanted to make my wee girl proud - and now we just sold out The Hydro! Things like this don’t happen to me, so I’m buzzing.”

THE FORTH CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC AWARD WITH LIQUID ROOM

Winner: JANICE ROBINSON

Janice Robinson was honoured with the Forth Contribution to Music Award, recognising a career that has helped soundtrack dancefloors around the world.

As the original voice and songwriter behind Livin’ Joy’s ‘Dreamer’, Janice became part of one of the defining dance hits of the 1990s. The track reached Number 1 in the UK and remains a favourite with music fans today.

Her career has also included a solo album, touring with Tina Turner and an appearance on The X Factor in 2018, where she introduced her voice and story to a new audience.

With performances taking her across the UK, Europe and Australia, Janice continues to share the energy and unmistakable vocals that first made her a star.

After performing at the ceremony, Janice said, “It feels amazing to be recognised after decades of a song that has lived in the hearts of so many people in the UK. Looking into the audience and realizing that most of these people were really young when ‘Dreamer’ came out - I’m so blessed to have done something that brings people such joy.”

THE FORTH ICON AWARD WITH THE EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

Winner: EMELI SANDÉ

With performances taking her across the UK, Europe and Australia, Emeli continues to share the energy and unmistakable vocals that first made her a star.

Further releases including ‘Long Live the Angels’ and ‘Real Life’ have continued to showcase her powerful vocals and songwriting, alongside collaborations with artists including Kendrick Lamar, Nile Rodgers and Jools Holland.

With millions of records sold worldwide and four BRIT Awards, Emeli’s achievements have earned her a lasting place in music - and this year’s Forth Icon Award with the Edinburgh Playhouse.

Picking up her award Emeli Sandé said “This is awesome, Scotland is where my whole journey began so thank you for this recognition".

THE FORTH FRINGE AWARD WITH WATERMANS

Winner: DARRELL MARTIN

Comedian and Just the Tonic founder Darrell Martin received this year’s Forth Fringe Award.

Alongside his own career on stage, Darrell has helped create opportunities for comedians through Just the Tonic, playing a part in discovering and supporting emerging talent.

His longstanding involvement in live comedy and the Edinburgh Fringe has helped bring performers and audiences together.

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT AT THE FORTH AWARDS

Alongside this year’s award winners, the entertainment line-up included Simone Denny and Kelly Llorenna, two familiar voices behind some much-loved dance classics.

Simone’s powerhouse vocals are known to fans of Love Inc. hits including ‘You’re a Superstar’ and ‘Broken Bones’, while Kelly is best known as the voice of N-Trance’s ‘Set You Free’, alongside solo favourites including ‘Tell It to My Heart’.

From outstanding teachers and dedicated community teams to remarkable individuals and celebrated music stars, the Forth Awards once again shone a spotlight on the people making a difference across Edinburgh and the East.

A huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners.

IN PICTURES: Forth Awards 2026 with Livingston Designer Outlet