10 awards were handed out across the jam-packed show, recognising hometown heroes across Best Teacher, Best Restaurant, Best Workplace and the all important Forth Local Hero Award.
One of Scotland’s most successful touring comedians, local boy Connor Burns took to the stage to perform a hilarious set before picking up the Forth Fringe Award, recognising his completely sold out run in August. Connor’s hometown set at the Forth Awards proved why he’s one of comedy’s fastest rising stars. Connor Burns said, “I can't believe it. It’s such an honour to know it was voted for by the listeners. Forth 1 have always looked after me as they do with new talent. This is my first award. I’m a many time runner up, so I’ve finally got something to hang on my wall!”
South Queensferry’s family-run seafood restaurant The Crab and Lobster Shack was voted Forth’s Best Restaurant, run by the Coghill family and offering up high-quality seafood. Plus, Mr David Barrett, of Preston Tower Primary School was voted the Forth Best Teacher, hailing originally from Canada and gaining experience working in Thailand, David’s pupils and colleagues said he turned lessons into adventures and took genuine care in helping every child see their own potential. He said, “I’m one of a team and really we’re all winning this right now.”
Next up, iconic Scots band Wet Wet Wet were honoured with the Forth Music Recognition Award, as founding member Graeme Clark, guitarist Graeme Duffin and lead singer Kevin Simm performed hits ‘Love Is All Around’ and ‘Goodnight Girl’. With over 15 million records sold worldwide, Wet Wet Wet are one of Scotland’s most successful musical exports and said, “Scotland has been a big part of Wet Wet Wet’s life and so have the people of Scotland who took us into their hearts. It’s lovely to be in Edinburgh again at the Forth Awards - they're a big supporter…we love them and they love us!”
The top talent continued into early evening as Scots superstar singer Amy Macdonald was named the Forth Best Artist, entertaining the crowd with huge hits ‘Mr Rock & Roll’, ‘Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For?’, and ‘This Is The Life’ . With her latest album release and two upcoming dates at Glasgow’s Hydro, Amy Macdonald continues to sell out shows around the world since catapulting onto the music scene in 2007. Onstage accepting her award, Amy Macdonald said, “It’s an absolute pleasure to be here this afternoon. It’s such a nice venue, I remember performing here on tour a few years ago and really enjoying it. Thank you so much to Forth 1 for having me and giving me nice prizes and playing all my songs on the radio. I hope you have an amazing rest of your day - don’t do anything that I wouldn’t do, which is… absolutely nothing, so do whatever you want! It’s been a pleasure to be here.”
A heartwarming moment in the afternoon came when Pawel Zakrzewski won the Forth Cash for Kids Award for co-founding the Edinburgh Combat Project, Edinburgh’s first martial arts charity, helping children facing mental and physical health challenges and offering a lifeline for kids facing tough circumstances.
The Forth Best Workplace award went to Free Agent, for their commitment to well being, learning, sustainability and empowering their community of small businesses, whilst Dunbar adventure park East Links Family Park took home the Forth Visitor Attraction Award.
One of the most emotional moments of the show, the Forth Local Hero Award went to Lisa Fleming, recognising her work in founding The House of Hope with her husband Euan after her own diagnosis with incurable secondary breast cancer in 2017. Lisa has raised over £2 million for research, support and education after identifying a gap in wellbeing and support provision within her hometown of Edinburgh. The House of Hope has become a sanctuary for those impacted by breast cancer, with fully funded, tailored workshops, classes and support groups and holistic therapies.
Next up, Claire Richards, of Steps fame, took to the stage to perform an electric set including 00s Steps hits ‘Tragedy’ ‘One For Sorrow’ and more, before Boogie and Arlene presented the singer with the Forth Icon Award. Claire Richards said, “It’s really exciting I never win anything so it’s really lovely to be recognised in that way! I haven't spent that much time in Edinburgh - we've been here since last night and it’s beautiful here, absolutely beautiful. Everybody in Edinburgh needs to come and see The Steps Musical. It’s the perfect medicine to everything. It’s just joyful.”
The 2025 Forth Awards came to a dance-fuelled end with performances from Angie Brown, Oceanic and Robin S ensuring the crowd danced the remainder of the evening away to 80s and 90s hits.
Recognising everything from small acts of kindness from teachers and care workers, to achievements in the world of entertainment, The Forth Awards were once again a celebration of inspiring stories from Forth 1’s local heroes and performances to remember.
Richie Jeffrey, Head of Events said: “The 20th edition of the Forth Awards was just as special as ever, as we shone the spotlight on local listeners making a difference in their communities. The sold out Usher Hall crowd enjoyed an afternoon of music, comedy and theatre performances as well as learning more about our inspiring winners and the work they do. It’s an honour for Forth 1 to be able to celebrate our community across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk - huge congrats to all of today’s winners and thanks to our incredible performers.”
