FROM a recruitment campaign for beekeepers to support for children involved in organised crime, from community gardens, to help for emergency workers in dealing with dementia patients, this year's Herald Society Awards shortlist does not lack variety.

The line up for our seventh annual awards demonstrates once again the range of groups benefiting from imaginative work in the public and voluntary sector and the breadth of responses from teams and individuals whose daily work makes Scotland a better place.

For the first time ever we are making an award this year in recognition of the growing social enterprise sector. Karen McGregor, chief executive of Firstport - which is sponsoring the new category - said: "Congratulations to all the finalists in the Social Entrepreneur of the Year category in the Herald Society awards.

"It is inspiring to see such a diverse range of innovative social enterprises shortlisted.

"The judges will have a tough task ahead of them but whatever the outcome, all these entrepreneurs are winners in their local communities."

Meanwhile Older People's Project of the Year is sponsored by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). Professor Valerie Webster, executive dean of School of Health and Life Sciences, said: "It is inspiring to see so many individuals and teams across Scotland who have gone that extra mile to change the lives or lifestyles of older people for the better.

"All the finalists should be proud of their achievements and I wish them all the best in this next stage."

Jim Sweeney, chief executive of YouthLink Scotland, sponsors of the Young People's Project of the Year category, added: "It is a fantastic line up again for this Award, highlighting the incredible work being done with young people across Scotland by such dedicated youth workers and volunteers."

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Glasgow on November 6 and excitement is already building, but all of those shortlisted are fully deserving of recognition.

Tables are still available for the gala awards dinner. For more information see www.herald-events.com/societyawards/ or contact Lynn Kelly via lynn.kelly@heraldandtimes.co.uk or on 0141 302 7410.