There were cheers, tears and standing ovations as Scotland's biggest stars gathered to honour the extraordinary people who make our country great at the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises. The glittering ceremony, held at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel, brought together celebrities, politicians and sporting heroes to celebrate the courage, kindness and determination of the nation's unsung champions.
Hosts and Star-Studded Line-Up
Hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli, the event saw stars including Gladiator Sheli McCoy, Star Wars actor Denis Lawson and The Traitors’ winner Stephen Libby pay tribute to the inspirational winners. First Minister John Swinney praised all winners, stating: “These incredible people show us what is possible when we find courage in a moment of crisis, when we commit to a cause, or when we dedicate ourselves to the communities around us. They show us that one person really can make a difference.”
Emergency Services Award
PC Alana Whitby, DC Ashleigh Bosch, PI Becky Lidster and DS Isla Craigie received the Emergency Services Award for their hostage negotiation work. Actress Nalini Chetty remarked: “I have played a few cops but what those four brave police officers did you could not write. The length of time they had to negotiate to get the baby back was so extreme.” Corrie and Taggart star John Michie added: “It was a privilege to meet them. Their incredible teamwork and camaraderie got them through.”
Special Recognition Award
The MacLean brothers, who rowed across the Pacific and raised £1m for clean water projects, won the Special Recognition Award. Three-times World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman was moved, saying: “The brother energy and the love they have for each other just got them through. I found their story incredibly moving.” Chef Gordon Ramsay sent a message: “Nine thousand miles in one of the most dangerous places on the planet with no support or help just brotherly love to drive you on that is remarkable. These guys are superheroes and the real Pride of Scotland.” Strictly star and Paralympian JJ Chalmers added: “Very few people could do what they did. We talk about tonight’s winners being the Pride of Scotland but they are also the Pride of the World.”
Special Recognition: Corinne
Rugby legend Kenny Logan honoured Corinne, whose charity Finding Feet has helped hundreds of amputees. He said: “Folk have done a lot in their life, but Corinne has taken it to the extreme. She’s superwoman and takes triumphing over adversity to a whole new level.” Dame Sarah Storey added: “Corinne didn’t want to be a charity case. She knew she needed help so she went and founded her own charity which is just remarkable.”
P&O Cruises Inspiration Award
The Wedding Wish Makers, who grant wishes for terminally ill brides and grooms, won the Inspiration Award. Stephen Libby said: “They had me in bits. The easiest thing people can do is nothing and that takes effort. They give couples a lasting memory of joy rather than sadness.” EastEnders star Laurie Brett added: “The emotional toll what they do must take is insane. Their story really touched me and I can’t stop crying.” A Place in the Sun presenter Jean Johansson said: “The kindness in the room tonight has been contagious and makes me proud to be a Scot.”
Teenager of Courage
Connor Elliott, 18, who chose to have his leg amputated at 15 to continue playing football after a cancer diagnosis, won Teenager of Courage. Former Rangers and Scotland goalie Allan McGregor said: “To make a decision like that at 15 just blows my mind and shows not just his passion for the game but also for life. What an inspiring young lad.” Paralympic champion Libby Clegg added: “Connor has left me speechless. This great event brings so many people together from so many walks of life. These winners really do bring the joy.”
King’s Trust Young Achiever
Musa Musa, 23, who fled war-torn Sudan for Scotland and spends his spare time helping others, won the King’s Trust Young Achiever award. Taggart actress Blythe Duff said: “This young man has shown incredible maturity he took a real chance leaving home so young and I am proud that Glasgow and Scotland have taken him to their hearts.”
Fundraiser of the Year
Tracey Howe, who walked the coast of Britain in memory of her late wife, raising £70,000 for charity, won Fundraiser of the Year. Wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan said: “To turn grief into something so beautiful is amazing. It takes some fortitude for her to do something like that alone. What an incredible woman.” Model and campaigner Eunice Olumide added: “What an act of courage to go through something so negative and turn it into something positive. I applaud her.” Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes said via video: “Tracey you inspire me and you have inspired so many people along your journey.”
Outstanding Bravery
Mitchell Rowan, 21, who saved a man from railway tracks moments before a train arrived, won Outstanding Bravery. Still Game stars Greg Hemphill and Gavin Mitchell were awestruck. Greg said: “Rowan is my new hero. Only in Glasgow would you save a guy’s life and then continue on your pub crawl. He could be Marvel’s new Scottish hero.” Gavin added: “Connor shouldn’t have to pay for drinks for the rest of his life. He’d get a pint for free in the Clansman – or maybe not.”
Young Hero
Rebecca Young, 14, who invented a solar-powered blanket for the homeless, won Young Hero. Outlander Blood of My Blood star Jamie Roy said: “I went to the same school as Rebecca, and I cannot imagine inventing something like that when I was her age. She just blows my mind.” Dinosaur writer and actress Ashley Storrie added: “I want to be just like her when I grow up. What a future she has ahead of her, and I can’t wait to see what she does.”
Child of Courage
Noah Connell, nine, won Child of Courage. Two Doors Down star Grado said: “That wee man has done more for others than most other folk do in a lifetime.” Gladiator Sheli McCoy added: “He is so inspiring. What a great wee kid. Every year it gets harder and harder to choose winners as they are all spectacular.”
Lifetime Achievement
Jack Blaik, who with his late wife Nancy founded CHAS, Scotland’s first children’s hospice, won Lifetime Achievement. Star Wars actor Denis Lawson said: “I really have no words for what Jack and his wife Nancy set in motion all those years ago when they founded CHAS and Scotland got its first children’s hospice. What a remarkable story.” Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri said via video: “I can’t put into words what CHAS and Robin and Rachel House do and what Jack and Nancy have done through the years alongside the staff to look after these amazing children.” Dr Who actor Peter Capaldi added: “Rachel and Robin House are simply magical and that’s because Jack and Nancy created it with love baked into every brick.”
