Moray Councillors Shine at National Awards, Claim Top Honors

Two councillors from Moray have garnered significant recognition by winning prestigious national awards at the LGIU and CCLA Councillor Awards 2025. Councillor Kathleen Robertson, leader of Moray Council, and Councillor Marc Macrae claimed two out of the five awards available, showcasing the council’s commitment to community service and innovation.

Councillor Robertson received the Leader of the Year award, commended for her visionary leadership and dedication to cross-party collaboration. Since taking office in 2022, she has effectively advocated for community needs, securing vital funding from the Scottish government to support transformative projects in the region. Her approach has been characterized by a focus on the well-being of Moray residents.

Councillor Macrae was awarded the Innovator of the Year title for his contributions within the Economic Development and Infrastructure services committee. His work on initiatives like the Bus Revolution and the Moray Growth Deal has gained him recognition as a leader in developing strategies that benefit the local economy and infrastructure.

Recognition of Commitment and Teamwork

Councillor Amber Dunbar also represented Moray at the awards, being shortlisted for the Young Councillor of the Year prize, highlighting the breadth of talent within the council. Councillor Robertson expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m honoured to receive this award, which really reflects the strength of teamwork across Moray Council. I’d also like to congratulate Councillor Macrae for his success, and Councillor Dunbar, who was a very deserving nominee in her category.”

Councillor Macrae shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m absolutely delighted to have won this award, and it’s great to see the work happening in Moray being noticed on a national stage.” He emphasized the collaborative spirit within the community, attributing the recognition to the collective efforts of all those working to improve Moray.

Moray Council’s Chief Executive, Karen Greaves, affirmed the importance of this recognition, stating, “It’s wonderful to see Moray represented at a national level. These awards highlight the commitment of our councillors to serving their communities and demonstrate the positive impact that local government can have across the region.”

Celebrating Local Government Achievements

This year’s competition was particularly competitive, with nominations across five categories that recognize the diverse roles councillors play in championing residents’ interests and leading innovation in public services. The awards celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of councillors, who dedicate their time and effort to serve their communities, often in unpaid roles.

The winners were selected by a panel of senior councillors and key stakeholders in the sector. Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), noted the significance of the awards, stating, “These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day. This year’s winners are a real testament to the dedication, creativity, and leadership shown by councillors across Scotland.”

Additionally, Lee Jagger, Local Government Relationship Manager at CCLA, highlighted the essential role of councillors in communities. “Their dedication improves lives in countless, practical ways. At a time when councils are navigating extraordinary pressures, the Councillor Awards are a powerful reminder of just how essential our councillors and councils are.”

The success of Councillor Robertson and Councillor Macrae at the LGIU and CCLA Councillor Awards reflects not only their personal achievements but also the collective effort of Moray Council in fostering a vibrant and responsive local government. Their recognition serves as an inspiration for other councils and highlights the valuable work being done across the country to improve community life.