Scotland’s Health Awards 2026: The best of the NHS recognised in glittering awards ceremony

The winners of Scotland's Health Awards 2026 | Lisa Ferguson/The Scotsman

placeholder image — The winners of Scotland's Health Awards 2026 | Lisa Ferguson/The Scotsman

From hundreds of nominees, the best and brightest in Scotland’s NHS were given top accolades at Scotland’s Health Awards 2026.

“It’s a true honour - it’s a true privilege to do this job.” Those were the words of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde’s paediatric supportive and palliative care team after they won top team at Scotland’s Health Awards 2026.

The sentiment was echoed by many of the winners at the glittering ceremony in Edinburgh, where dozens of the country’s best healthcare professionals were recognised for their compassion, dedication and life-changing achievements.

The awards, hosted by The Scotsman, saw over 700 exceptional doctors, nurses, care workers and volunteers from up and down the country put forward for recognition across 17 categories.

Hundreds then travelled to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Thursday for the black tie awards ceremony, presented by TV and radio host Grant Stott.

Flow Navigation Centre Plus Lanarkshire from NHS Lanarkshire won the innovation award. | Lisa Ferguson/The Scotsman

The evening lived up to all expectations - full of emotion and inspirations, including an energetic half-time performance from Scottish band Citrus.

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The Ayrshire Maternity Unit Bereavement Team from NHS Ayrshire & Arran won the midwife award. | Lisa Ferguson/The Scotsman

Attendees were piped in by Scotland’s national piper Louise Marshall, before being formally welcomed by The Scotsman editor Alan Young and Health Secretary Angela Constance.

The impact of the awards was clear to see from the winners on the night.

“I’m speechless,” said Kristal McDonald from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, who won the support worker award.

Kristal McDonald from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde won the support worker award. | Lisa Ferguson/The Scotsman

“It feels amazing. I work with an incredible team, so I can’t wait to go back and share this with them.

“I was so humbled to be even nominated because I just go out and do it without any thoughts of recognition, so this is incredible.”

The tackling health inequalities award went to the Women Inclusive Sexual Healthcare Extended Service clinic at NHS Lothian. Speaking afterwards the team said they were “gobsmacked” to win.

The Women Inclusive Sexual Healthcare Extended Service clinic at NHS Lothian won the tackling health inequalities award. | Lisa Ferguson/The Scotsman

They said: “It’s an incredible service and an incredible team.

“We get a lot of small wins. There are many women we don’t ever see again, but the ones that we do, we can see a massive difference in them.”

Jacqueline Gilmour from NHS Highland won the nurse award. She said: “It’s amazing and I’m totally shocked.

“It is huge to look after these patients because it is a postcode lottery, they don’t get the same care as people in the city, so it is amazing to get this award.”

Dr Andrew Pearson, also from NHS Highland, won the doctor award. He said: “I’m overwhelmed - we put so much into our work, so to get recognition for making a difference is amazing.

Dr Andrew Pearson from NHS Highland won the doctor award. | Lisa Ferguson/The Scotsman

“This is just part of your normal day, so that appreciation is amazing.

“I was shocked to win. When I found out I was nominated, I was happy enough with that, I didn’t think I would win.”

Health Secretary Angela Constance attended the awards and shared her appreciation for the entire NHS workforce and all the nominees who attended the ceremony.

David Bywater from the Scottish Ambulance Service won the leader of the year award. | Lisa Ferguson/The Scotsman

She said: “Your professionalism and your compassion touch countless lives each and every day, whether you are caring for a patient at their most vulnerable moment, supporting a family through difficult times, helping someone regain their independence, or working behind the scenes to ensure services run effectively.

“The difference that you all make is profound.

Laura McLean from NHS Lothian won the allied health professional award. | Lisa Ferguson/The Scotsman

“Every day, people in Scotland rely on your expertise, your commitment and your kindness. You help to improve lives, support recovery, promote wellbeing, and ensure that people receive the care, dignity and respect that they deserve and need.

“Often it is the small acts of compassion as much as clinical expertise that leave a lasting impact on patients, families and our communities.”

She added: “Your contribution matters - it’s valued, it’s appreciated, and tonight we celebrate it.”