Nominations for The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award are now open
The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award (RBHA), supported by South Ayrshire Council and Destination South Ayrshire, recognises courage, commitment, inspiration and hands-on humanitarian efforts from people of any nationality, race, age or gender.
This is a globally-respected honour bestowed annually on a group or individual who shows selflessness and dedication in a bid to save, enrich or improve the lives of others through the protection and promotion of human rights and work to deliver social reform.
Named in honour of Scotland’s son, Robert Burns, this much sought after humanitarian award applauds the efforts of people who bring hope and inspiration, often in desperate situations, and help change lives for the better.
We are looking for nominations for those who have saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or direct humanitarian work. It doesn’t have to be someone you know; it could be someone you’ve read about, someone you’ve seen on TV, or someone you’ve long admired.
Our current winner is Gail Penfold (pictured above). Gail won the prestigious award during a special online ceremony which took place on 25 January to celebrate Burns Night.
Gail lives in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, and has been an avid volunteer, fundraiser, and campaigner in the community for five decades. On receiving the award, Gail said: "To be named the 23rd recipient of The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award on the 265th anniversary of his birth is such an honour and privilege. I will treasure the memories made today forever."
The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award winner receives the equivalent of 1759 guineas – a sum which signifies the year of the Bard’s birth and the coinage in circulation at the time – equating to £1,800 in today’s currency.
Councillor Martin Dowey, chair of the RBHA judging panel, said: "Robert Burns was a true humanitarian and we’re looking for people who live up to his ethos. We receive nominations from across the globe but they all have something in common, their passion and commitment to human rights and a determination to bring about social change. Nominees don’t have to be someone you know, it could be someone you’ve heard about, what’s important is that we applaud and celebrate their efforts to change the lives of others, so please get nominating."
Nominations for the RBHA 2025 can be made online at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/robert-burns-award until 4pm on Friday, 27 September.
The 2025 RBHA winner will be announced on Friday, 24 January 2025.
