Key Points
- Young finalists from East Lothian schools shared the Little Champion of the Year title at the East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards.
- Ellis Notley from Ross High School lifted the trophy on the evening, representing Kenny Beaton, Gillian Williams from Dunbar Grammar School, and herself.
- Judges deemed all three youngsters equally deserving, making it impossible to select a single winner in a highly competitive category.
- The awards celebrated diverse community contributions across East Lothian, from sports to sustainability and fundraising.
East Lothian (Edinburgh Daily News) February 10, 2026 – Youngsters from local schools clinched shared title success by the narrowest of margins at the East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards.
Ellis Notley from Ross High School, alongside Kenny Beaton and Gillian Williams from Dunbar Grammar School, were named joint winners of the Little Champion of the Year category. The decision came after judges struggled to pick one standout from the trio’s impressive achievements.
Who won the closely contested youth award?
According to the East Lothian Courier, Ellis Notley lifted the trophy in front of fellow nominees and guests during an emotional evening at the awards ceremony. Notley, who plays defence for Hibernian FC Women’s Team, represented the three finalists from East Lothian schools. The event recognised finalists across categories including sporting success, sustainability efforts, fundraising, businesses, and arts projects.
As reported by Robbie Scott of East Lothian Courier, judges including Ciara Jamieson from Berwick and Offshore Windfarm, East Lothian Provost Councillor John McMillan, Gaynor Marshall from Lothian Buses, and Courier Editor Robbie Scott faced tough choices from many worthy candidates.
What made the awards ceremony so emotional?
The room heard inspiring stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in East Lothian communities. Organised by the East Lothian Courier, the 2025 event marked the second year of the Community Champion Awards, sponsored by East Coast Buses, Marine North Berwick, PureMalt, SSE Renewables, Sustainable Facilities Management, and Vertu.
How did other categories fare?
John Bellany Day Centre staff received the Health and Care Award, with Centre Manager Keith McCombs praising his team for their fantastic work supporting service users. Full details of all finalists and winners, including photos, appear on the East Lothian Courier website.
What do community leaders say about these champions?
Robbie Scott, Editor of the East Lothian Courier, stated that the newspaper is privileged to share stories of residents who go the extra yard for neighbours and good causes. He added that these inspiring individuals deserve every plaudit, as East Lothian would be much poorer without them.
The awards continue to honour courage, dedication, and selfless acts that enrich lives across East Lothian.
