FROM a record 926 entries nationwide, the 24 finalists for the PubAid Community Pub Hero Awards have been unveiled, with no less than seven Scottish establishments in the running for a national award.
In the Community Support Hero category, Scotland is represented by the Greenhills Pub in East Kilbride, The Waverley Inn in Edinburgh, and The Red Lion Inn of Low Causeway, Dunfermline.
In the Community Fundraising Hero category, Scotland has The Bank Bar in Dundee, McChuills in Glasgow, and the Tannochside Miners Club, in Tannochside, Glasgow.
Lastly, but definitely not leastly, competing for the UK PubAid Community Regular Hero title is Róisín Therese of the Dreadnought Pub, Leith, Edinburgh.
That nomination is in recognition of the ‘commitment and dynamism’ that Róisín has put into the campaign to ‘Save The Pride Bridge’ – Leith’s Lindsay Road Bridge, a much-loved landmark and important part of local history, which was painted in rainbow colours in 2021, leading to it being named locally as the ‘Rainbow’ or ‘Pride’ Bridge.
Now closed due to health and safety concerns, the Council and Sustrans are working on options for redeveloping the bridge, so it can be brought back into community use, and Róisín has been very active driving community engagement with that process.
The PubAid awards are intended as a showcase of that kind of community spirit and impact, and are nominated annually by Members of Parliament, the general public and the pubs themselves. The initiative is supported by longstanding industry partner Matthew Clark, which welcomed this year’s ‘overwhelming’ number of entries.
“The response to this year’s awards has been outstanding,” said a Matthew Clark spokesman. “With over 900 nominations, there’s no doubt that pubs still hold a special place in the heart and soul of our nations. We’re proud to sponsor these awards and help tell the unique stories of how our pubs support and are supported by their communities.”
Co-founder of PubAid, Des O’Flanagan, said: “This year’s number of nominations speaks volumes about the integral role pubs play in their communities, far exceeding their conventional function as just somewhere to go for a drink. We created the awards to recognise the impact pubs have on communities and to thank the people behind the pubs that go above and beyond every day.”
The selection of finalists was entrusted to a panel of experts, which included Rita King, Honorary Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group and PubAid steering group member; George Kyle, head of ESG at C&C Group; Paula Smith, head of marketing at the Licensed Trade Charity and PubAid steering group member; Darryl Hinksman, head of business development and MD for Westons Australia; Andrew Buchanan, operations director pubs and brewing at Daniel Thwaites and member of the BBPA Future Pub group; and Molly Davis, head of communications for BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) and PubAid steering group member.
Brand communications manager at Matthew Clark, Gabrielle Hutson, praised this panel’s diligent efforts: “Narrowing down 926 heartfelt nominations to just 24 finalists was no small feat. Each submission told a story of gratitude for the pubs that foster community spirit and make a difference every day.”
Reflecting on the significance of pubs in local economies and communities, judge Rita King, stated: “With MPs representing constituencies that on average include two breweries and 80 pubs, the pub sector is a cornerstone of local economies, offering employment, training and skill development opportunities.
“Beyond economic impact, pubs play a crucial role in fostering community cohesion, supporting wellbeing, fundraising for local causes and offering solace to those in need. These awards, driven by nominations from those directly impacted by pubs’ efforts, are a testament to their invaluable contribution.”
The winners will be revealed at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on March 5th, sponsored by Matthew Clark. The event will welcome all finalists, industry leaders, and Members of Parliament, celebrating the impact pubs leave on their communities.
A full list of shortlisted pubs can be found on the PubAid website.
