Recognition for local Blairgowrie and Rattray heroes

Release Date: Monday 7 September 2026

Image courtesy of Clare McMicking/CraicN Communication

Pictured from left are, Megan Woods and Lily Donald from Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, Young Person for the Year Chloe Reffold, 2025-26 Blairgowrie and Rattray Citizen of the Year Brian Campbell, Connie Irvine and Marjory Carnegie from Blairgowrie Lyric Choir, and Gina Purrmann from Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council.

The winners of the 2025-26 Blairgowrie and Rattray Citizen of the Year, Young Person of the Year and Community Group of the Year awards were presented with trophies marking their achievements at the Braemar Day celebrations in the east Perthshire town at the weekend.

The annual awards are organised by voluntary group Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council (BRCC), with local residents nominating those who have made a significant contribution to the community or gone the extra mile to make a positive difference in the town.

Brian Campbell was presented with the prestigious Blairgowrie Advertiser cup for Citizen of the Year in recognition of his outstanding work with the Blairgowrie and Rattray Access Network (BRAN).

Chloe Reffold was announced as the Young Person of the Year in recognition of her dedication, creativity and commitment to both her local community and wider charitable causes, while the Community Group of the Year was revealed as the Lyric Choir in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the local community through music, inclusion, friendship and charitable fundraising, enriching the lives of countless people for more than 60 years.

Accepting the award, Brian said: “As a Blairgowrie lad born and bred, this award means a lot to me, especially as it is based on nominations from local people.

“I’d like to thank everyone who nominated me, it’s a real honour, and I promise to keep up the good work!”

Chloe said: “I am so grateful for this award, thank you to everyone who supported me.”

The Community Group of the Year award is for groups and organisations working primarily in the BRCC area, with the winners presented with a stunning stone trophy created by local sculptor David Wilson.

Connie Irvine from the Lyric Choir commented: “Receiving this award has really boosted everyone in the Lyric Choir, it’s very exciting!

“We have new people joining the Choir all the time, including younger voices, and we’re a very happy and welcoming bunch who just really enjoy singing together and for others.

“All the proceeds from our events are donated to other groups and charities, usually in the local area, and it is really nice to be recognised in this way by our community.”

BRCC secretary, Gina Purrmann, presented the awards. She said: “For more than nine years, Brian has devoted countless hours to BRAN - coordinating volunteer work parties, planning work schedules, and keeping morale high among his fellow volunteers - thereby ensuring that the paths around Blairgowrie and Rattray that so many of us use and take for granted are maintained and cared for.

“Because of his dedication and leadership, BRAN continues to make a significant contribution to the town, making him a thoroughly deserving recipient of Blairgowrie and Rattray's Citizen of the Year award.

“Also very deserving is the Young Person of the Year, Chloe, who has been a member of the town’s drama group, the Blairgowrie Players, since the age of eight, appearing in several award-winning productions. She has also played a key role in helping to inspire the next generation of young performers and has shown outstanding leadership and enthusiasm.

“Chloe recently returned from Malaysia, where she took part in an important turtle conservation project, demonstrating her willingness to make a positive difference on a global scale, and was recently voted as House Captain at Blairgowrie High School.”

Gina continued: “Blairgowrie Lyric Choir is a welcoming community organisation that has removed barriers to participation and created a supportive environment where people can enjoy the many social and wellbeing benefits of singing together.

“Led by conductor Don Renwick, the choir presents Christmas and spring concerts as well as other performances, bringing music and companionship to the wider community.

“On behalf of everyone at BRCC, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to nominate their local heroes for these awards, and offer our huge congratulations to our very worthy winners.”

For further information or media enquiries, please contact Clare McMicking on 07514 343 042 or [email protected]

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