Above & Beyond Awards 2025

Above and Beyond Awards 2025

From highlands to lowlands, urban to rural, convenience stores are the beating heart of communities right across Scotland, helping to forge, support and promote valuable connections that have a meaningful impact on local lives.

Central to this power are people – the faces behind the counter, on the shop floor and in the back office and stockroom, who strive day in and day out, to make a positive difference – a difference which not only contributes to the overall success of their own store, but also to Scotland’s convenience industry as a whole.

SLR’s Above and Beyond Awards are here to recognise, showcase and reward these store superstars – inspiring other colleagues and future generations along the way.

Independent Store Colleague

Open to all colleagues working in independently owned local retailing stores in Scotland.

Company-Owned Store Colleague

Open to all colleagues working in CJ Lang company-owned stores in Scotland.

Business Booster

Open to all colleagues who have materially improved the business’ performance by suggesting or introducing a new initiative, product, service, communication method, or a change in operational processes.

Team Award

This award is designed to reward in-store teams which have pulled together to make a positive difference to their store’s performance and or to their community.

Up & Coming Star

Open to all colleagues aged 25 or under working in any of the store formats detailed above who have shown themselves to be outstanding colleagues with a bright future in the sector ahead of them.

Long Service Award

Open to all colleagues working in any of the store formats detailed above who have worked in the sector or a single store or chain for an extended period.

Astonishing Act

Open to all colleagues working in any of the store formats detailed above who truly went Above & Beyond to perform an astonishing single act that had a massive positive impact on a customer or colleague.

“The Scottish Sun is delighted to be this year’s Media Partner for the SLR Above & Beyond Awards. It’s amazing to be able to honour the unsung work of people in the community who make a difference as well as recognise and support the vital role of convenience stores to our readers – and to communities as a whole. Local retailers are the beating heart of communities and, for some, they are a lifeline.

“We can’t wait to hear all the inspiring stories of those celebrated at the event.”

Gill Smith, Scottish Sun Editor-in-Chief

“Scottish convenience stores are a seven-days-a-week collective effort, with many unsung colleagues working quietly behind the scenes bringing new ideas to stores, delivering unwavering commitment to business continuity or going above beyond for their team or local community. And that’s why we’re back for a second year, together with SLR, to recognise and celebrate the efforts and achievements of the behind-the-scenes heroes and rising stars in Scottish convenience – so we can share their stories, say thank you and inspire others to follow suit.”

Amy Burgess, Senior External Communications Manager

“Mondelēz International is proud to play a part in celebrating some truly exceptional people across independent retail through our sponsorship of the Independent Store Colleague & Long Service categories at the SLR Above & Beyond Awards. As a provider of iconic brands including Cadbury, OREO, Maynards Bassetts, belVita and Dairylea to name just a few, independent retailers play a crucial role in bringing our snacks to consumers across the nation. We’re delighted to support and reward those who go above and beyond for their shoppers, their staff and their communities every day. Best of luck to all the entrants!”

Susan Nash, Trade Communications Manager at Mondelēz International

“Our staff are our biggest asset, clearly identified by our customers. We know convenience store staff are very much unsung heroes at times, and we’re delighted to be involved in industry awards that recognise their efforts.”

Frank McCarron, Company Owned Store Director

“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

Sophie Skelton

Independent Store Colleague

Sophie Skelton | Supervisor, Aramark Leuchars (Premier)

Claire Flemming

Company Owned Store Colleague

Claire Fleming | Manager, Spar Portland Street, Troon

Sophie Williams

Up And Coming Star

Sophie Williams | Assistant Manager, Broadway Convenience Store, Edinburgh

John Stephen

Long Service Award

John Stephen | Delivery Driver and Handyman, Premier Whitehills, Banff

Alison Lennon

Astonishing Act

Alison Lennon | Manager, Day Today, Shotts

Above and Beyond 2024 finalists

Congratulations to all of our fabulous finalists!

Independent Store Colleague

  • Tracey Doran | Supervisor, Pinkie Farm, Musselburgh
  • Kim Henderson | Manager, Racetrack Rutherglen (Premier)
  • Snehal Magadum | Manager, Girish’s Premier, Barmulloch
  • Elaine McCann | Manager, Watson’s Grocers, Moniaive
  • Sophie Skelton | Supervisor, Aramark Leuchars (Premier)

Company Owned Store Colleague

  • Claire Fleming | Manager, Spar Portland Street, Troon
  • Bryan Gibson | Manager, Spar Barnchurch Road, Culloden
  • Kerry Ritchie | Manager, Spar Bighty Avenue, Glenrothes
  • Tanya Wilson | Manage, Spar Eastriggs

Up And Coming Star

  • Chelsea Dunlop | Supervisor, Spar Boswell Park
  • Charlie MacRae | Sales Assistant, Spar, Scourie
  • Waseem Sadiq | Accounts Manager, Spar Renfrew
  • Sophie Williams | Assistant Manager, Broadway Convenience Store, Edinburgh

Long Service Award

  • Alison Lennon | Manager, Day Today, Shotts
  • John Stephen | Delivery Driver and Handyman, Premier Whitehills, Banff
  • Yvonne Wilson | Manager, Spar Logan Drive, Troon

Astonishing Act

  • Usman Bashir | Owner, Day Today, Saracen
  • Claire Fleming | Manager, Spar Portland Street, Troon
  • Alison Lennon | Manager, Day Today, Shotts

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This website contains images and information relating to tobacco products. Please do not view if you are under 18 years of age.

This website contains images and information relating to tobacco products. Please do not view if you are under 18 years of age.

This publication contains images and information relating to tobacco products. Please do not view if you are under the age of 18 years old.