The North Edinburgh Awards took place at Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Thursday 23 October 2025. The evening kicked off with a magic show and community get-together before the winners were revealed.

Tenants of Harbour Homes and members of the local community nominated neighbours, volunteers, local businesses and community groups who they felt deserved a big thank you. The categories were: Good Neighbour, Community Champion, Community Group, and Favourite Local Business.

Heather Kiteley, chief executive at Harbour Homes, said: “We created this event to bring the community together as part of our 50th celebrations. It was a much-needed celebration of the people who make our communities great. All those nominated were deserving of the recognition on the night, and I am immensely grateful for the positive impact they have on the lives of our tenants and the wider community.”

The winners announced on the night were:

• Good Neighbour: Dana Hunter
• Community Champion: Daniel Ndlovu
• Community Group: The Citadel
• Favourite Local Business: Quirkys

Nominations were encouraged to shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes around us. Dana Hunter received several nominations for looking out for her neighbours and being a kind and caring member of the community.

Dana said: “I didn’t expect to be nominated or to win, a big thank you to my neighbours.”

Daniel Ndlovu participates as a youth volunteer with YMCA Edinburgh and was nominated for his fantastic attitude and commitment to improving his local community. He plays an important role in the Friday Night Lights project which has been linked with a 25% reduction in anti-social behaviour on the evening it runs.

The Community Group Award went to The Citadel whose nominations highlighted the excellent work they do with young people and families of Leith. 

Willy Barr, manager, The Citadel, said: “Winning the North Edinburgh Community Group Award was a real boost to everyone involved at The Citadel. We love being in the heart of the Community in Leith and we have so many stories of bringing people together, trying new things, facing challenges together but most important of all, having fun! Well done to the other finalists and winners – we are all part of what makes Leith a great place to be.”

Quirkys won Favourite Local Business and received multiple nominations for their helpfulness and for uplifting the appearance of the local area.

Stuart Wright, owner of Quirkys plants, said: “Thank you so much for this massively encouraging award. I am really grateful to my fantastic customers who continue to support me and other small businesses.”