Young People Awards
2026 Awards
Nominations are now open!
Midlothian’s Young People Awards (MYPA) provide a unique chance to recognise and celebrate the many and varied achievements of our young people, aged from 8 to 26, within our communities. Now in their sixth year, the awards are organised by:
- Midlothian Young Ambassadors
- Midlothian Council
- the Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian.
Closing date for nominations is Friday 9 October 2026.
Ceremony
The awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday 24 November 2026, at Rosslyn Chapel.
The award categories
There are five categories, reflecting various activities that benefit Midlothian. The themes of participation, enterprise and regeneration are common throughout the categories.
Caring and Volunteering Award (participation)
To recognise young people who volunteer in caring activities within Midlothian. This includes those who:
- care for or help a relative, younger children, neighbour or friend in need
- or volunteer for a local charity supporting children, disadvantaged or older people
- or raise money for charities supporting people in need in the local and wider community.
- regular acts of kindness
Local Community Award (regeneration)
Making a difference to a town, village or local area. This involves:
- a strong commitment to nature, conservation, history or an environmental project
- or supporting a youth group as a leader or volunteer
- or raising money for a community organisation
- could involve litter picking, planting flowers/trees, promoting local heritage and speaking up for their community
Sport and Physical Activity Award (participation)
Success and/or outstanding improvement or achievement in:
- an individual or team sport, or physical activity
- or dedication to training
- or coaching a youth team, or developing them in their particular activity
- or overcoming personal barriers to achievement
- inclusion of others, personal improvement, perseverance
The Arts and Culture Award (enterprise and participation)
Outstanding achievement:
- in performance, visual arts, music, singing, dance, creative arts and media
- or overcoming personal barriers to achievement in the arts
- or supporting/leading an arts group
- or demonstrating an outstanding commitment to promoting the arts
- activities could include: photography, writing, dance, digital creativity
Achievement in Learning Award (enterprise and participation)
To recognise young people in education (school, college, youth work, training etc.) who show commitment to learning and developing skills for work, and also care about the future of young people in Midlothian.
The Midlothian Prize (regeneration, enterprise and participation)
One nominee will be chosen in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Midlothian as a whole.