Four NHS Lothian nurses and a nursing team have been named as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025, which celebrate excellence and dedication in nursing across Scotland.
Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director – Acute Services, has been shortlisted for the Clinical Leadership Award for her person-centred approach and leadership of key initiatives such as the 5-year Nursing and Midwifery Strategy and inclusive career programmes.
Stacey Boyle, Midwife, and Marianne Hay, Senior Charge Midwife, are finalists for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award for their innovative Cozy Cuddle Scrubs—designed to support skin-to-skin contact between birth partners and newborns.
Kath Williamson, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist in Bariatric Care, is also a finalist for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award and has been recognised for her pioneering research to improve care for people with severe obesity, including those who are housebound.
The South East Forensic Healthcare Team have been shortlisted for the Nursing Team of the Year Award for delivering trauma-informed care to vulnerable individuals in the justice system, including public health, addiction, and mental health support.
Scott Taylor, Co-Chair of the Scottish Learning Disability Lead Nurse Group, has also been recognised for his outstanding leadership in advancing learning disability nursing in Scotland. Alongside Kerry Anderson, he has championed improved clinical practice, influenced national policy, and raised awareness of the health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities—leaving a lasting impact on both the workforce and patient care.
Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director at NHS Lothian, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate all our staff who have been shortlisted for an award.
“Being named as a finalist is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the outstanding care, compassion, and dedication our nurses bring to their patients every single day.
“I’m incredibly proud of them all and wish each of them the very best of luck.”
Winners will be announced at the ceremony on 12 June 2025. Find out more at: rcn.org.uk/ScotAwards
