Recognition for local Blairgowrie and Rattray heroes

Image courtesy of Clare McMicking/CraicN Communications

The winners of the 2025-26 Blairgowrie and Rattray Citizen of the Year, Young Person of Year and Community Group of the Year awards were presented with trophies marking their achievements at the Braemar Day celebrations in the east Perthshire town at the weekend.

The annual awards are organised by volunteers from Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council (BRCC), with local residents nominating those who have made a significant contribution to the community or gone the extra mile to make a positive difference in the town.

Brian Campbell was presented with the Blairgowrie Advertiser cup for Citizen of the Year in recognition of his outstanding work with the Blairgowrie and Rattray Access Network (BRAN).

For more than nine years, Brian has devoted countless hours to BRAN - coordinating volunteer work parties, planning work schedules, and keeping morale high among his fellow volunteers - ensuring that the paths around Blairgowrie and Rattray are maintained and cared for.

Chloe Reffold was announced as the Young Person of the Year in recognition of her dedication, creativity and commitment to both her local community and wider charitable causes.

Chloe has been a member of the town’s drama group, the Blairgowrie Players, since the age of eight, appearing in several award-winning productions. She has also played a key role in helping to inspire the next generation of young performers and has shown outstanding leadership and enthusiasm.

House Captain at Blairgowrie High School, Chloe recently returned from Malaysia, where she took part in an important turtle conservation project, demonstrating her willingness to make a positive difference on a global scale.

The Community Group of the Year was announced as Blairgowrie Lyric Choir in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the local community through music, inclusion, friendship and charitable fundraising, enriching the lives of countless people for more than 60 years.

This welcoming community organisation has removed barriers to participation and created a supportive environment where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the many social and wellbeing benefits of singing together.

Led by conductor Don Renwick, the choir presents Christmas and spring concerts as well as other performances, bringing music and companionship to the wider community, with proceeds from the events donated to other groups and charities, usually in the local area.