25th Anniversary Awards
Crichton Foundation Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Prestigious Awards Evening
The Crichton Foundation marked a major milestone on Thursday 4th December as it celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a special Awards Evening at Easterbrook Hall. The event honoured individuals and organisations whose work inspires, supports and strengthens the Crichton community.
A total of 142 guests attended the celebration, which opened with a drinks reception followed by a three-course meal. Sponsored by the Open University in Scotland, the awards ceremony was hosted by Lori Carnochan, who presented winners across eight categories. Finalists were shortlisted from a strong field of nominations, with selections made by an independent panel comprising Gillian Brydson, Russel Griggs and Matthew Wallace.
2025 Award Winners
1. Staff Member of the Year – Dumfries and Galloway College
The finalists are Danielle Higginson – William Spurway – Phil Storrier
Winner: Danielle Higginson
Recognised for her remarkable early career achievements, progressing from learner to first-class BA (Hons) graduate in Rural Business Management.
2. Staff Member of the Year – Open University in Scotland
The finalists are Gemma Burnside – Derek Goldman – Helen Wilkinson
Winner: Derek Goldman
Honoured for his extensive partnership work across educational, charitable, business and governmental sectors and his longstanding advocacy for the Crichton.
3. Staff Member of the Year – Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)
The finalists are Ely Blyth – Gemma Higgins – Lucy Thornton
Winner: Lucy Thornton
Celebrated for her commitment to inclusive education, innovative teaching and community engagement, as well as her inspirational personal resilience.
4. Staff Member of the Year – University of Glasgow
The finalists are Stephen Patterson – Freya Skinner – Bethan Wood
Winner: Freya Skinner
Awarded for her dedication to education, sustainability and community initiatives.
5. Staff Member of the Year – University of the West of Scotland
The finalists are Joe Brown – Julie Orr – Rhona Winnington
Winner: Julie Orr
Acknowledged for excellence across both nursing practice and academic leadership.
6. Small Business Organisation
The finalists are Almond Hearing – Clay Works Studio – C&C Insurance Brokers
Winner: C&C Insurance Brokers – Lauren Kerr
Recognised for her dedication to building a successful business while balancing the demands of family life.
7. Medium Business Organisation
The finalists are Developing the Young Workforce D&G – D&G Advocacy Service – Solway Disability Support
Winner: Solway Disability Support – Tammy McColm
Honoured for her compassion, dedication and deep commitment to supporting others.
8. Large Business Organisation
The finalists are Better Lives Partnership – The Holywood Trust – Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway
Winner: The Holywood Trust
Celebrated for more than 45 years of quietly transforming the lives of thousands of young people across the region.
Acknowledgements
The Crichton Foundation extends its sincere thanks to its headline sponsor, The Open University in Scotland; to the University of the West of Scotland for sponsoring both a table and the Medium Business category; and to the University of Glasgow for sponsoring the Small Business category.
Special appreciation is also given to the event working group whose efforts brought the celebration to life: Fiona Kerr, Liz Griggs, Andrew Walls, Kate Thomson, Laura Williamson, Jennifer Challinor, Derek Goldman, Julie Orr and Pam Stokes.
