Highland Heroes 2025: Green hero shortlist revealed – VOTE NOW!
VOTE for your green heroes by midnight on Monday, February 10!
Peter Doherty
Is Pete Doherty of Inverness Kart Raceway on track to win the green hero of the year award for his spirit of proactive leadership and sustainability?
Pete led the social enterprise’s transition to electric karts in 2024. The power move has reduced energy costs by around 20k a year; the new karts are fully charged by solar panels on the roof and they no longer need the electric fans that were used to diffuse the petrol fumes.
His nomination said: “Pete has been the face of this transformative change, passionately communicating the benefits of our shift to electric karts, not just for our immediate operations, but for the environment and future generations.
Pete said: “We make these shifts for the environment and for the financial boost rather than recognition; every penny that we can save or make goes to our parent company Day1 to help young people get the support they need to create a sustainable career that starts with a real living wage and offers opportunity. We don’t just want them to get a job, we want them to have a bright future.”
Loch Ness Hub
A community initiative has been nominated as a beacon of sustainable innovation and environmental stewardship in the Highlands.
Loch Ness Hub, based in Drumnadrochit, is a community-led initiative championing eco-conscious tourism, supporting local communities, and preserving the natural beauty of the Loch Ness area.
The hub connects visitors with eco-friendly tours, encouraging sustainable and active travel, helping to reduce carbon footprint. Committed to waste reduction and environmental education, it collaborates with local businesses to promote green tourism and support community clean-ups.
This dedication to sustainability and community engagement has earned the hub a nomination for green hero of the year.
Managing Director, Russell Fraser said: “It’s fantastic to be nominated. Around 80 percent of our shareholders are from the Glen Urquhart community council area, so there’s a real sense of community pride, which has been key to our success.”
He added: “Our team’s passion for where they live shines through in their work, enhancing not only the visitor experience but also the area’s reputation.”
Green Hive Nairn
Championing biodiversity, reducing waste, and promoting a circular economy puts the Green Hive, Nairn, firmly in the running for green hero of the year.
With 10 staff and over 200 volunteers, the hub is hailed as an “unwavering force for environmental change and community empowerment.” Together, they work to protect and enhance the natural beauty of Nairn, while diverting significant materials from landfill through initiatives like their zero-waste fabric store.
Green Hive is also a champion of biodiversity; it leads tree-planting projects and beach clean-ups that preserve Nairn’s unique coastal and woodland ecosystems.
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Chief Executive Matthew Withey said: “We’re here for people who want to roll up their sleeves and make a difference. Walking around littered or neglected streets can feel isolating, but Green Hive helps bring people together to take positive action. Our volunteers span all ages, creating unity and a shared purpose that leads to incredible results.”
Springfield is sponsoring the green hero award.
Kieran Graham, managing director for Tulloch Homes, part of the Springfield Group, said:
“Taking action to do our bit for the environment is a responsibility that falls to us all. Even businesses like the Springfield Group. In September we published our update on the steps we are taking to build more energy efficient homes for our customers and in a more sustainable way to reduce our impact on the environment as best we can.
“We are proud to support the green hero award to celebrate those individuals that have gone over and above to take care of the planet and are excited to learn about the work these proactive people are doing within their communities so that we can all benefit from a greener future.”