National Church Awards 2025: Highland church crowned best in Scotland in UK 'church BAFTAs'

Ness Bank Church in Inverness was crowned the Scottish winner in the National Churches Trust Awards last month with judges commending the church’s “extraordinary community outreach” and impact.

Inverness Foodstuff has been running since 2014 and offers hot meals to people in need throughout the week.

Judges for the awards, which are now in their fourth year, highlighted the project and called it a “vital centre of care, compassion and inclusion” which tackles problems like food poverty, homelessness and social isolation with “energy and heart”.

They praised the team’s staff and group of 80 volunteers who they said support thousands of people every year.

They continued: “The judges were deeply impressed by how the church offers dignity and welcome to everyone who comes through its doors, as well as hosting groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and other community initiatives.

“Ness Bank was recognised for the life and love within its walls - a living example of how a church can serve its city in practical, transformative ways. Its work brings people together, gives hope where it’s most needed, and shows what can be achieved when faith and community go hand in hand.”

The award was announced at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The awards were presented by Revd Canon Ann Easter, former Chaplain to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, alongside Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, and Mark Hews, group chief executive of the Benefact Group.

As Scottish winner, Ness Bank received a commemorative plaque and £750 in prize money.

In response to the award, Ness Bank minister Rev Stuart Smith said: "Winning a National Churches Trust Awards is a great boost for Ness Bank Church and Inverness Foodstuff.

"It rewards amazing work done by dozens of local volunteers, and the staff who support them. It shows the folk we serve that their needs are recognised and taken seriously. And it builds a connection between our small local group and a big national charity with significant resources, inspiring us to consider what more we could do.

“We hear so much about problems facing our church and our society – but this demonstrates the opportunity we all have to make a difference together."

The 58 finalists also included fellow Church of Scotland kirks Aberdour Parish Church in Fife and Bennachie Parish in Aberdeenshire.

England's winning church, St Peter & St Paul, Old Bolingbroke in Lincolnshire, went on to win the accolade of UK Church of the year while Sinclair Seaman's Church in Belfast took the Northern Ireland title, and St Sadwrn's Church in Henllan, Denbighshire, was named the Welsh winner.