Scottish singing sensation Lulu is set to deliver a keynote speech at the inaugural Scottish Recovery Awards, an event celebrating Scotland's drug and alcohol recovery community. The 77-year-old pop star from Lennoxtown, who achieved international fame over her career, will speak at the ceremony held at Voco Grand Central in Glasgow on October 9.
Personal Connection to Recovery
The role holds particular significance for Lulu, who has been open about her own battles with alcoholism. She previously described herself as a “highly functioning alcoholic” but after a successful stint in rehab, the singer is now 13 years sober. In an emotional interview on BBC Breakfast last year, she admitted she had managed to keep her drinking habits a secret from friends and family for years due to her ability to get on with work after heavy nights of drinking. The Shout singer acknowledged alcohol was something of a “family disease” and was “obviously in my genes” after she grew up in a “chaotic household”.
Event Details and Purpose
The Scottish Recovery Awards are being launched to honour individuals and organisations contributing to Scotland's addiction recovery efforts. Organised by leading recovery clinic Abbeycare as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, the event aims to become an annual fixture. It will spotlight staff and organisations whose dedication, courage, and leadership are helping Scotland reduce drug and alcohol-related deaths. The awards will celebrate exceptional achievements across eight categories, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the Scottish recovery sector.
Lulu's Message of Hope
Speaking ahead of the awards, Lulu expressed her hope that the event would remind those struggling with addiction that “recovery is possible”. She said: “I’m really honoured to be part of the Scottish Recovery Awards. Recovery is something that’s very close to my heart, and I know from my own experience that it takes courage, commitment and support. These awards are about recognising people who are changing their lives and helping others do the same. It’s important that we celebrate those achievements and remind people that recovery is possible.”
The star previously said that growing up as a child in Glasgow gave her the resilience to address her alcohol problem. “I have resilience, which I'm very grateful for. Because no matter how many times I've fallen down, I bounce up again.”
Nominations and Sponsorship
Nominations for the awards are now open across all categories and can be submitted online at scottishrecoveryawards.com, with the window closing on August 14. Businesses and other organisations across Scotland are also being invited to support the recovery community by sponsoring awards or purchasing tables. Lulu, who was awarded a CBE in 2021 for services to charity, music and entertainment, has supported a wide range of charitable causes over her long career.
Alcoholics Anonymous can be contacted on 0800 917 7650 or by emailing help@aamail.org.
