Highland Heroes 2025: Community champion shortlist revealed – VOTE NOW!
VOTE for your community champions by midnight on Monday, February 10!
Kats Second Editions
A simple gesture of kindness has grown into a vital support network for families across the Highlands, earning charity founder Kats Macleod a spot on the shortlist for a Highland Heroes award.
Kats, based in Tain, launched Kats Second Editions during lockdown after delivering food to families in need. She remembers: “I saw two children still wearing summer clothes as winter approached, and it broke my heart. I posted on Facebook asking for help, and the response was overwhelming. Donations poured in, and we haven’t stopped since.”
The charity now redistributes clothes, shoes, jackets, and toiletries while working closely with Women’s Aid, social services, schools, and medical practices. To date, Kats and her team have supported more than 2,900 children from 2,054 families across the Highlands.
“All donations are sorted at my house, so it’s chaotic,” Kats said. “But when I get a photo of a child beaming in a newly donated cosy jacket, it’s worth it. We ask that every item donated is washed and from a smoke free home; if I wouldn’t give it to my own child, I won’t offer it to anyone else. This year, we’ve had more emergency requests than ever. People are struggling, and we want to help ease their pain.”
Leslie Grant
What qualities make a true community champion of the year?
Leslie Grant from Wick will likely embody them all.
Nominated for the Highland Heroes award, Leslie has dedicated more than three decades to supporting the Royal Air Force Cadets, rising from civilian instructor himself to Commander of the Wick squadron. His leadership has shaped countless young lives, with one nomination praising his “unwavering dedication and passion” as a true community hero.
Leslie’s contributions extend far beyond the cadets. As treasurer of the Rumster Steering Group and the Christmas Light Committee, he also oversees fundraising and restoration efforts for the Trinkie outdoor swimming pool, helps maintain the North Baths, and plays a vital role in the Wick Gala Committee.
Leslie said: “I’m a keen hill walker and I love cold water swimming but because I work shifts at Dounreay I’d often find myself at home during the day with time on my hands, so I decided to put it to good use for everybody’s benefit. It’s an honour to be nominated.”
Sandy Mackenzie
“If people need help, you just help,” it’s this mindset that’s led to postmaster Alisdair (Sandy) Mackenzie being shortlisted for a community champion of the year award.
The octogenarian, born in Evanton, moved to Rogart as a newlywed to take over his granny’s croft.
With three generations of the Mackenzie family having lived in the rural parish, Sandy was quick to roll up his sleeves and open a post office which expanded into a village shop in custom built premises.
His nomination said: “Sandy assisted crofters in filling in VAT and tax returns, he would drop everything to drive elderly crofters home with their baskets of messages.”
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He has served as Justice of the Peace, been treasurer to several local clubs, captain of Golspie Golf Club, and even became an ‘extra’ for the drama club.
Sandy said: “We’re like one big family up here; you do what you can to make people’s lives easier. I used to work in a bank so in days gone by I helped many of the local crofters with their paperwork, now pen to paper is a rarity.”
Peter Corbett
Devoting his life to inspirational work in the South Kessock community has led to a former Councillor being shortlisted for a Highland Heroes award.
Peter Corbett, who grew up in Merkinch, said: “I’ve always been passionate about helping families keep their kids healthy and occupied by positive pursuits. It's incredible to see youngsters meeting new characters, solving different problems; that’s how you learn about life. What makes it even more special is the sense of community here; we try to look out for each other.”
Although he hung up his coaching boots for the last time at Merkinch Football Academy (after more than three decades), the 72-year-old says he’s not ready to fully retire: “I work three days a week with the Merkinch Partnership to help young people get jobs. When you consider young people have what they need at the click of a button now, it’s a big challenge for them to enter the world of employment."
High Life Highland is sponsoring the community champion award.
High Life Highland provides affordable access to opportunities in sport, leisure and culture across the length and breadth of the Highlands, operating many of the leisure centres, museums, sports and music tuition services in the region.
Chief executive officer at High Life Highland, Steve Walsh, said: “We are thrilled to be sponsoring the community champion award at the 2025 Highland Heroes. The award aligns perfectly with our purpose as a charity and something we care so passionately about ‒ making life better in local communities right across the Highlands.
“In the communities we serve, we hear of individuals who embody a selfless dedication to improve the lives of people in their area on a voluntary basis. This award is a fantastic opportunity for communities to make their collective voice heard, to celebrate the amazing individuals who go above and beyond to make a significant positive contribution to their local community.
“We are absolutely delighted to be able to support this award category and share our expression of gratitude to those very special individuals.”