The BBC is calling on communities across the UK to nominate their local heroes for the 2026 Make a Difference Awards — and with nominations closing on Monday 31 March, the clock is ticking.

Now in their fifth year, the awards celebrate the volunteers, neighbours and community champions who quietly transform the lives of those around them. Last year, more than 12,500 people were nominated across the UK, and the Scottish winners offer a powerful reminder of just how much goodness exists on our doorsteps.

The 90-year-old who never stops giving

At 90 years old, Glasgow's Jane Finnie could be forgiven for putting her feet up. Instead, she spends her days cooking soup for neighbours, befriending young men fresh out of difficult circumstances, and supporting people with dementia so their carers can catch a breath.

Jane won the Great Neighbour Award at last year's BBC Make a Difference Awards in Scotland, but she'd be the first to wave away any fuss.

"I'm a normal Glasgow woman," she told Glasgow Live. "I'm not a hero. Years ago, people used to help their neighbours — that was the normal thing. Nowadays, people live their own lives, which I think is pretty sad."

One of her neighbours was Michael, a young man she met at a bus stop after his release from Barlinnie. She paid his fare, showed him to the post office, and spent the next decade as his "adoptive gran," making him soup until his passing.

From a park bench to 3,600 families

In Buckhaven, Fife, Liza Quin knows what it's like to feel that your family has nowhere to turn. As the parent of an autistic child, she founded Autism Rocks Fife 11 years ago — starting with small meetings of parents in a local park.

Today, the charity supports more than 3,600 families, running family days, drop-in sessions, a youth club, and even visits from therapy ponies. Liza won the Volunteer Award at last year's Scottish ceremony.

"It's just very humbling for me," she said. "When people come up and say, 'Our kids never go anywhere, never do anything,' and then you see them walk through the door — the parents are terrified, but as soon as the kids come in and the shoes are kicked off and they go running — that's why I do what I do."

Drumming up hope in Elgin

Jo Holland of Elgin took home the Active Award for creating Parkinson's Beats, a drumming exercise programme that enhances the health and wellbeing of people living with Parkinson's across Scotland.

"I'm amazed," she said. "There are so many people doing such great work and I'm just having fun with a drum. I do it because I love it. It's not work, it's not hard — it's just pleasure."

Your turn to nominate

This year's awards span eight categories, from the Volunteer Award to the Young Hero Award for under-16s, the Great Neighbour Award, and the Environmental Award. Broadcaster Gaby Roslin launched the 2026 nominations on BBC One's The One Show alongside BBC Radio Scotland's Michelle McManus.

Rhuanedd Richards, BBC director of nations, said: "The Make a Difference Awards are a powerful reminder of the kindness, generosity and community spirit that exists in every community across the UK."

Presenter Kaye Adams, who helped lead last year's Scottish ceremony, added: "These are the people who quietly transform lives and communities, and it's a privilege to shine a light on their stories. Scotland should be incredibly proud."

If you know someone who deserves recognition — a neighbour who goes the extra mile, a volunteer who gives their time without asking for anything in return, a young person making a real difference — nominations are open now at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference.

But don't delay: nominations close at 5pm on Monday 31 March. Winners will be announced in September at ceremonies hosted by the BBC's local and nations radio stations.

Scotland's heroes are out there. They might even live next door.