The event was an opportunity to highlight the brilliant work being done by our award winners and by nursing staff throughout Scotland. We were joined by award winners from every part of Scotland – from rural communities and remote island settings to larger towns and cities – who work across the NHS, care homes and the independent sector.
MSPs and senior nursing leaders were also in attendance, and award winners had the opportunity to share their experiences, and to discuss the unique contribution that nursing makes to Scotland's health and care services, as well as what must be done to protect and strengthen the profession for the future.
Attendees heard from our 2026 Nurse of the Year, Nicola Braid, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care, Angela Constance MSP, and the Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland, Professor Aisha Halloway.
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director, said:
“The RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards provide a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution that nursing staff make across Scotland. Since launching the awards in 2022, it has been our privilege to shine a light on the dedication, professionalism and outstanding care that nursing staff deliver every single day.
“At a time when health and care services continue to face significant challenges and pressures, it is important that we take the opportunity to recognise what nursing staff achieve. Their dedication is remarkable, their resilience inspiring, and their ability to adapt and rise to every challenge is truly exceptional.
“We hope our winners inspire you. They are a powerful reminder that, despite every challenge, nursing staff continue to innovate, adapt and keep patients, service users and residents at the heart of everything they do.”
The RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards celebrate and honour the incredible work of Scotland’s nursing staff, day in, day out - showcasing inspiring nursing practice and innovative nurse-led projects that are making a difference for patients, residents, and service users. Nominations for our 2027 Awards are currently open.
Find out more about the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2027.
