The Forth Awards at the Usher Hall recognised people in Edinburgh and the East of Scotland with a show featuring Emeli Sandé, Cammy Barnes, and Craig Hill.
Kelly Llorenna, Janice Robinson and Simone Denny completed the line up of entertainment with moves from Dirty Dancing, a show on at the Playhouse now, and a sourcing set from Cammy Barnes.
The heroes recognised with awards include the Best Teacher, Best Workplace – won by L.I.F.T at Muirhouse Millennium Centre and the Forth Local Hero Award – easily, and heartbreakingly, won by Lisa Petrie who has campaigned against knife crime since her son John McNab died last year.
After losing her son John in 2025, Lisa has campaigned tirelessly – meeting the First Minister, the King and MSPs to introduce accessible bleed kits across Edinburgh. Lisa has assembled and distributed over 100 emergency medical bleed control kits to pubs, community centres and shops across Edinburgh and Midlothian, aimed at saving lives in all kinds of medical emergencies.
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.”
One of the afternoon’s most heartwarming moments came when Rocco Wood was presented with the Forth Cash for Kids Award. Born at just 28 weeks, three months premature, Rocco was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and has overcome significant challenges in his 17 years.
Cash for Kids has been able to support Rocco and his family for many years, mostly recently funding an eye-gaze communication device which has given Rocco a new way to express himself, communicate and display his cheeky sense of humour.
American singer songwriter Janice Robinson collected the Forth Contribution to Music Award, honouring a vocalist career spanning over 30 years, beginning with her global hit ‘Dreamer’ as part of ‘Livin’ Joy’. Janice went on to support the iconic Tina Turner on tour and released hit dance tracks include ‘Earthbeat’ and ‘There Must Be Love’, which she performed at this afternoon’s 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 realising 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.”
Forth Awards 2026, Usher Hall, Edinburgh
One of the UK’s most successful songwriters, Emeli Sandé was honoured with this year’s Forth Icon Award, marking a career which has seen her pick up four BRIT Awards, achieve three UK No.1 singles and sell over 6 million albums.
The Scottish star’s upcoming 2027 UK tour celebrates 15 years since the release of her hit debut album ‘Our Version of Events’ and guests at the Forth Awards were treated to her biggest hits including ‘Next To Me’ and ‘Read All About It’.
Picking up her award Emeli Sandé said: “This is awesome, Scotland is where my whole journey began so thank you for this recognition.”
Forth Awards 2026, Usher Hall, Edinburgh
Forth Awards 2026, Usher Hall, Edinburgh
Forth Awards 2026, Usher Hall, Edinburgh
David Robertson, Director Of Content for the Hits Radio Brand (including Forth 1), Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “In our 21st year of the Forth Awards, we continue to be inspired by the local listeners striving to make a difference and delivering, at times, life-changing work in their local communities.
“Whether it’s a teacher supporting kids in school, or individuals like Lisa Petrie campaigning on a national level, it’s Forth 1’s honour to shine a spotlight on them and say thank you.
“We send our huge congratulations to all of today’s worthy winners, and a special thanks to our outstanding performers for entertaining our sold out crowd.”
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
THE FORTH BEST RESTAURANT AWARD WITH SALTIRE HOSPITALITY
WINNER: Luca’s Kitchen, Dunfermline
Having launched in the summer of 2019, Luca’s Kitchen is a family friendly pizzeria which provides diners with authentic Italian flavours and a delicious ice cream parlour. This ‘hidden gem’s’ excellent food and great hospitality, consistently scores over 4 out of 5 across online reviews.
THE FORTH CASH FOR KIDS AWARD WITH NEWTOWN DÉCOR
WINNER: Rocco Wood
Rocco’s story is one of extraordinary strength, determination and courage. Born at just 28 weeks, three months premature, Rocco was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and has faced significant challenges throughout his 17 years.
He requires 24-hour care, full support with moving and handling, uses a wheelchair and is PEG fed. Yet, despite everything he has faced, Rocco has never allowed his challenges to define him.
Cash for Kids has had the privilege of supporting Rocco and his family for many years. They funded a specialist trike to help develop his strength and muscles following major spinal surgery, and more recently supported Rocco with an eye-gaze communication device. This has given Rocco a new way to express himself, communicate with those around him and, perhaps most importantly, let everyone see his wonderfully cheeky sense of humour!
Rocco has continued to develop, achieve and grow despite the enormous challenges he has faced. He is now at high school and is preparing to take his next huge step towards independent living. Something that is an incredible achievement given everything he has overcome.
In his 17 years, Rocco has shown extraordinary resilience. He is a fighter, an inspiration and a young man who continues to push boundaries and prove that adversity does not have to stand in the way of living a full and meaningful life. For everyone who has had the privilege of knowing Rocco, his determination, personality and infectious cheekiness are impossible not to admire.
THE FORTH BEST TEACHER AWARD WITH OMNI CENTRE
WINNER: Matthew Crawford, Guidance Teacher at Beath High School in Cowdenbeath
Matthew Crawford has demonstrated exceptional commitment, outstanding leadership and a genuine passion for helping others. His professionalism, energy and determination have earned the admiration of colleagues, parents and those he teaches.
What sets him apart is not simply what he achieves, but how he achieves it, consistently going above and beyond to support his pupils. This support extends outside the working week, communicating with parents any time that is required.
Parents of one of his pupils said they didn’t think their daughter would even still be in school if it wasn’t for Mr Crawford.
THE FORTH BEST WORKPLACE AWARD WITH FUSE
WINNER: L.I.F.T @ Muirhouse Millennium Centre
LIFT EDINBURGH (Low Income Families Together)
A team who go above and beyond for their community every single day, at LIFT@Muirhouse Millennium Centre, their staff have taken on extra responsibilities, supported vital work around knife crime and helped ensure their centre remains at the heart of the community. A community project and centre based in Muirhouse, LIFT works holistically with individuals and families developing new skills to improve their lives, tackling child poverty and increasing the wellbeing of individuals and families. A team who take on every challenge that comes their way, and who consistently put others first, activities including upskilling, budgeting, confidence building and employability skills.
THE FORTH VISITOR ATTRACTION
WINNER: Falkland Palace & Garden
Falkland Palace & Garden stood out due to their dedication, warmth and resilience shown by its staff and volunteers throughout what has been a particularly challenging year.
Despite ongoing building works and parts of the Palace being out of action, the team have continued to deliver a memorable visitor experience, always offering a warm welcome and bringing Scotland’s rich history to life with genuine passion and enthusiasm.
A fantastic attraction for visitors of all ages and a true gem on our doorstep!
THE FORTH LOCAL HERO AWARD WITH EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS & LNER
WINNER: Lisa Petrie Founder of JMBK
Turning an unimaginable personal tragedy into a powerful force for change after the loss of her son, John, in September 2025, Lisa Petrie has campaigned tirelessly for stricter retail security on knives and the roll out of life-saving bleed kits across our communities.
As part of her campaign, Lisa has already assembled and distributed over 100 emergency medical bleed control kits to pubs, community centres, and shops across Edinburgh and Midlothian, training people how to use them.
Her courage, resilience, and determination are truly saving lives.
THE FORTH BEST ARTIST AWARD WITH VICTOR PARIS
WINNER: CAMMY BARNES
THE FORTH CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC AWARD WITH LIQUID ROOM
WINNER: JANICE ROBINSON
THE FORTH ICON AWARD WITH THE EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE
WINNER: EMELI SANDÉ
THE FORTH FRINGE AWARD WITH WATERMANS
WINNER: DARRELL MARTIN
