Above & Beyond Awards 2026

For the third year in the row, the Above and Beyond Awards judges and its sponsors have been bowled over, choked up, and out-and-out inspired by the power and passion of the entries we received.

From lifeline delivery drivers to kind-hearted sales assistants, and tech-savvy supervisors to death-defying managers, this year’s outstanding batch of shortlisted nominees is the ultimate showcase of what makes this industry so unique: its people.

Every single person and team on the shortlist demonstrates exactly what it means to go above and beyond – and they do it every single day.

The Awards are now in their third year and have been hugely popular thanks to their unique goal of recognising and rewarding the shopfloor heroes that help demonstrate why the local retailing sector is so very special to communities across Scotland.

The exceptional achievements of each and every one of our shortlisted heroes will be celebrated at a very special lunch in Glasgow’s Corinthian Club on Wednesday 18 March – where our category winners will also be revealed.

👉 Contact Cara with any queries – cbegley@55north.com / 07967 022 506.

Independent Store Colleague

Kerri Grier | Supervisor, Bourtreehill Supermarket
Gertu Kirtsing | Deli/kitchen supervisor, David’s Kitchen
Shivam Madaan | Store manager, Day Today Haddington
Sean Maney | Store manager, Greens of Shettleston

Company-Owned Store Colleague

Diane Garry | Supervisor, SPAR Coatbridge
Liam Hailes | Store manager, SPAR Balintore
Angela Kelly | Customer sales assistant, SPAR Garthamlock
Stacey McMahon | Store manager, SPAR Peterculter

Team of the Year

SPAR Denny
SPAR Eastriggs
SPAR Garthamlock
SPAR Kincaidston

Up & Coming Star

Jodi Ewing | Supervisor, SPAR Saltcoats
Harshita Jand | Supervisor, Girish’s Premier Barmulloch
Karis Waldron | Supervisor, SPAR Greenock

Long Service Award

Gerry Haughey | Store manager, SPAR Garthamlock
Margo Macauley | Store manager, Costcutter Muirhouse
Stacey McMahon | Store manager, SPAR Peterculter

Astonishing Act

Sean Maney | Store manager, Greens of Shettleston
Edwin Pirie | Driver/storeman, Premier Whitehills

Media partner: The Scottish Sun

“The Scottish Sun is once again delighted to be Media Partner for the SLR Above and Beyond Awards.

“We rely on convenience stores to sell our papers day in and day out, and these awards honour the often unseen work of the people who run them.

“From life-changing community schemes to going beyond the call of duty to help individuals, local retailers are a vital lifeline for many Scots and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate them.”

Gill Smith, Scottish Sun Editor-in-Chief

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)

“Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is proud to celebrate the exceptional contributions of independent retailers through our sponsorship of the Independent Store Colleague & Long Service categories at the SLR Above & Beyond Awards. As the distributor of some of the world’s most-loved brands —including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes, and Monster —we recognise the vital role independent retailers play in bringing our drinks to communities across the UK. Their dedication ensures that consumers can enjoy our products wherever and whenever they choose. We’re delighted to support and honour those who consistently go above and beyond for their shoppers, their teams, and their local areas. These awards shine a light on the passion and commitment that drive independent retail forward. Best of luck to all the nominees.”

Kate Abbotson – Senior External Communications Manager CCEP

Highland Spring

Though the Ochil Hills date back hundreds of millions of years, it won’t surprise you to learn that Highland Spring is a much more recent arrival.

The company was formed in 1979 by the same family that owns it today. Back then, the market for bottled water was a drop in the ocean – less than 30 million litres a year. Yet even in those early days, no farming of any sort was permitted on the catchment site at the Ochil Hills. The focus was always simple: natural source spring water that’s as pure as it possibly could be.

In 2001, our diligent protection of the land was rewarded with organic accreditation by the Soil Association – a standard which we continue to maintain.

These days we’re one of the UK’s leading producers of natural source water, bottling over 550 million litres a year and employing over 450 people. It’s a long way from where we started, but our focus is the same as it ever was. Nature knows what it’s doing: we just help bring its bounty to the world.

Mondelez International

“As the provider of iconic brands such as Cadbury, Bournville, OREO, Maynards Bassetts, belVita and Dairylea, Mondelez International recognises the vital role independent retailers play in connecting our snacks with consumers nationwide. We’re proud to celebrate and reward those who consistently go the extra mile for their shoppers, their teams and their communities.

“Mondelez International is delighted to sponsor the Independent Store Colleague and Long Service categories at the SLR Above & Beyond Awards, honouring some of the most exceptional individuals in independent retail. Best of luck to all entrants!”

Susan Nash, Trade Communications Manager at Mondelēz International

CJ Lang/Spar Scotland

“Our team members are undoubtedly our greatest asset, a fact that is clearly recognized and appreciated by our customers. We understand that convenience store staff often work tirelessly behind the scenes, truly serving as the unsung heroes of the community. It’s a privilege for us to participate in industry awards that celebrate and honour their dedication and hard work, highlighting their invaluable contributions.”

Frank McCarron, Company Owned Store Director, CJ Lang/Spar Scotland

Tennent's

“Tennent’s is excited to sponsor the Team award and celebrate the positive differences retailers are making across Scotland. Without a great team, success never comes easy!”

Nicole Halsman, National Account Manager RTM and Convenience