Councillor Chris Costello has been named Scotland’s Young Councillor of the Year 2025 at the prestigious LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards, held at Glasgow City Chambers.
Councillor Costello, who represents the Airdrie Central ward, was recognised for his strong commitment to supporting young people, especially those with care experience, and for his work tackling poverty across the area.
He currently serves as Convener of the Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty Committee and is also the council’s Care Experienced and Young People’s Champion.
Speaking after receiving the award, Cllr Costello said: “I am delighted to win the Scotland’s Young Councillor of the Year Award for 2025.
"This recognition is testament to North Lanarkshire Council’s commitment to tackling poverty, championing our young people and supporting our care experienced population.
“It is a privilege to work with our communities on a daily basis and to represent the people of Airdrie Central. I am pleased that our collective efforts in North Lanarkshire have been recognised through this award.”
The judging panel praised Cllr Costello’s dedication to his community and his efforts to improve the lives of residents across North Lanarkshire.
The awards are the only national event that celebrates the work of local councillors in Scotland.
Other winners on the night included Cllr Kathleen Robertson of Moray Council, who was named Leader of the Year, and Cllr Jan Brown from Argyll & Bute Council, who received the Community Champion award.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, said: “Councillors work tirelessly to support their communities and drive change. These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day.”