Twelve deserving winners were praised for their outstanding achievements at this year’s Black Scottish Awards.
The prestigious event, now in its fourth year, took place at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, and brought together a packed audience for a night of celebrations.
Founder Dr Enoch Adeyemi established the awards in 2023 to amplify the voices and successes of the Black community across various fields in Scotland. He said: “When we launched The Black Scottish Awards, our ambition was simple: to shine a light on people whose achievements deserved greater recognition.
“Four years on, the awards have become a celebration of excellence, resilience and possibility. I hope every young person who sees our nominees and winners leaves believing there is no limit to what they can achieve.”
Hosts Tosin Ogunlesi and Tomisin Ibigbemi expertly guided those in attendance through an evening of speeches, performances and prize giving.
Dr Adeyemi added: “The awards send a positive message about modern Scotland, a country that is stronger when talent from every background is recognised, valued and given the opportunity to thrive."
Sportsperson of the year
100m sprinter Kaya Slater was announced as Sportsperson of the Year, a category sponsored by sportscotland for the fourth year in a row.
Kaya is a rising Scottish sprint athlete and a member of Falkirk Victoria Harriers. She won relay silver with Great Britain at the 2025 European Athletics U20 Championships and made her Team Scotland debut at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, competing in the women's 4x100m relay.
Alongside Alisha Rees, Lucy Fraser, and Alyson Bell, Kaya helped Scotland finish seventh overall and set a new Scottish native record, with the team clocking 44.81 seconds.
Known for her speed and potential, Kaya is part of an exciting new generation of Scottish athletics talent. After overcoming a serious injury and personal challenges, she earned multiple international selections while mentoring younger athletes, using her experience to inspire resilience, confidence and excellence both on and off the track.
The Black Scottish Awards Legacy
The Black Scottish Awards are a powerful celebration of excellence, diversity, and achievement within Scotland’s Black community and ally communities. Created to honour the outstanding contributions of individuals, businesses, and organisations, the awards shine a light on the voices, stories, and successes that continue to inspire across all fields.
2026 Black Scottish Awards winners list
Ally of the Year: Mark McLane
Business of Excellence of the Year: Adigo Care
Community Organisation of the Year: Touch of Love Outreach
Creative of the Year: Dr Eunice Olumide OBE
Diversity Champion of the Year: Onyinye Igbokwe
Global Citizen of the Year: Dr Justina Obaoye-Ajala
Outstanding Contribution to the Black Community: Dr Eunice Olumide OBE
Professional Rising Star of the Year: Oluwatomisin (Tom Tom) Osinubi
Professional Senior Leader of the Year: Dr Yekemi Otaru
Professor Sir Geoff Palmer Outstanding Student of the Year: Dakarayi Sopella Zvekare
Sportsperson of the Year: Kaya Slater
Young Person of the Year: Ifeoluwa Fabiyi
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