Scotland's Unsung Heroes Shine at Pride of Scotland Awards
Celebrities, sporting legends, and First Minister John Swinney gathered at a packed Glasgow Hilton to celebrate the extraordinary courage, kindness, and determination of this year's Pride of Scotland winners. The stars were out on Monday night to honour the nation's inspirational unsung heroes at the glittering People's Oscars.
Dozens of well-known faces from music, sport, and TV joined First Minister John Swinney at the Glasgow Hilton to celebrate the Pride of Scotland Award winners. Love Island's Paige Turley dazzled in a sparkly gold dress as she and Saint Phnx's Stevie Jukes interviewed the myriad star guests on the red carpet. Paige said: 'This is my absolutely favourite night of the year as the awards shine a light on people who have been doing so much for others but never seek any recognition. As a judge, I already know the winners' stories so meeting them in person is just brilliant. I love seeing their faces when the celebs come up and ask them for selfies.'
Stevie, looking dapper in a tailored suit, added: 'The Pride of Scotland Awards are massive and the number of big names who turn out to celebrate our nation's most inspiring people is phenomenal. But what the unsung heroes don't realise until they arrive at the awards is that they are the ones who leave the celebrities starstruck because their selfless achievements are far greater.'
Host Elaine C Smith cut a striking figure, as did Sheli McCoy (aka Scots Gladiator Sabre), singing legend Susan Boyle, EastEnders actress Laurie Brett, Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan, Taggart's Blythe Duff, and presenters Amy Irons, Sophie Morgan, and Jean Johansson. Star Wars actor Denis Lawson, Traitors' winner Stephen Libby, host Sanjeev Kohli, footballer Allan McGregor, Two Doors Down star Grado, and rugby star Kenny Logan were all suited and booted for the biggest night of the year. However, all eyes were on the men, women, and children being honoured for making our country great.
From humbling acts of kindness and selfless bravery to raising millions for charity, the Pride of Scotland Awards, with P&O Cruises, recognised 11 winners across eight categories. One of the biggest cheers went to Child of Courage Noah Connell, nine, who overcame bullies mocking his rare genetic condition and raised funds for other sick children. Noah's face lit up when presented with his award by Gladiator Sheli McCoy and Two Doors Down stars Grado and Jamie Quinn. Grado said: 'What a wee champion you are, Noah. I'm in awe of all you have achieved. What courage you have shown.' Elaine C Smith was in tears as Noah came on stage. Writing on his speaking iPad after a standing ovation, he said: 'Thank you, Pride of Scotland.'
The P&O Cruises Inspiration Award winners, Wedding Wish Makers Suzanne Stevenson, Lauren Roy-Sutherland, and Lee Anne Gentles, were delighted to meet presenter Jean Johansson, The Traitors' Stephen Libby, and actress Laurie Brett, who hailed the trio for organising weddings for terminally ill brides and grooms. Jean said: 'What they do brings so much joy. They are three very special women who deserve to be recognised a hundred times over.' Stephen admitted he needed tissues for the awards, saying: 'I just love getting into my feelings a little bit and I think tonight's a good way to do that and really celebrate the best of society.'
Outstanding Bravery winner Mitchell Rowan, who risked his life to pull a stranger off rail tracks seconds before a train arrived, received his award from Still Game stars Greg Hemphill and Gavin Mitchell. Gavin said: 'Mitchell is such a worthy winner - jumping to the rescue without any regard for his own safety and then carrying on his pub crawl. What a guy!' Brothers Ewan and Jamie Maclean, who along with sibling Lachlan raised £1 million for clean water projects by rowing across the Pacific non-stop, enjoyed a laugh on stage with former World's Strongest Man Tom Stoltman and military veteran and Strictly star JJ Chalmers.
Former Rangers and Scotland goalie Allan McGregor and Paralympic champion sprinter Libby Clegg surprised Teenager of Courage Connor Elliot, 18, who battled back after losing his leg to cancer and is now a star of Scotland's Amputee football team. Libby, who has won five Paralympic medals, said: 'Connor is an inspiration. His fighting spirit and determination to battle on despite all the odds is outstanding.'
One of the most uplifting moments came when quadruple amputee and charity founder Corinne Hutton received her Special Recognition award from rugby legend Kenny Logan and Team GB's most decorated Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey. Dame Sarah said: 'Corinne is one of the most remarkable women I have ever met and the difference she has made to so many is incredible.' Young hero winner Rebecca Young, who landed on the cover of Time magazine for inventing a solar-powered blanket for the homeless, was also lauded. Elaine C Smith even joked she might be the new First Minister.
Fundraiser of the Year Tracey Howe, who raised over £70,000 while walking 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain in her wife's memory, received her award from wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan and campaigner and model Eunice Olumide. Gordon said: 'Tracey's spirit is infectious. What an amazing tribute to her late wife!' King's Trust Young Achiever Musa Musa, 23, an asylum seeker from Sudan who overcame huge obstacles to make a new life in Scotland and volunteers to help others, was saluted, receiving his award from Taggart star Blythe Duff.
One of the most poignant moments was when Jack Blaik received the Lifetime Achievement award from Star Wars actor Denis Lawson and Rab C Nesbitt star Barbara Rafferty. The 77-year-old and his late wife Nancy founded CHAS – Children's Hospices Across Scotland – which has supported seriously ill children and their families for over 30 years. Barbara said: 'It's hard to put into words what Jack and Nancy have done for Scotland. We wouldn't have the wonderful Robin or Rachel Houses without them. Nancy's legacy and Jack's continued dedication are truly marvellous.'
Hostage negotiators PC Alana Whitby, DC Ashleigh Bosch, DS Isla Craigie, and Inspector Becky Lidster, who talked down a man who abducted a baby girl and held her at knifepoint, received the Emergency Services award from First Minister John Swinney. He said: 'These four police officers took some truly harrowing circumstances and transformed them into a remarkable act of service.' The FM also paid an emotional tribute to all winners, saying: 'I was overwhelmed by the stories, the courage, the bravery, just the tenacity of individual, beautiful stories.'
Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: 'In 2026, P&O Cruises is proud to once again support Pride of Scotland. Tonight it is a real honour to recognise and celebrate individuals whose achievements and contributions are truly exceptional. Every winner has made a meaningful difference, demonstrating resilience, generosity and an inspiring commitment to others.' Neil McIntosh, editor-in-chief of Reach (Scotland), said: 'Heroes come in every shape and size. They rarely seek attention, yet what they do changes and transforms the lives of others - in one simple act or in a lifetime's work. Pride of Scotland is a celebration of their achievements.'
Chart-toppers Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx brought the glittering night to an end with a two-song set including their World Cup anthem 'Home', which raised the roof of the Glasgow Hilton. Evans said: 'This is our fourth year here and it's incredible. From start to finish it is just positive stories all the way through, what they've come from, what they've been through and what they're doing.'
