Sunday Mail (UK)

AS WE LAUNCH HUNT FOR THIS YEAR’S UNSUNG HEROES

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his family was the role he played in the liberation of Bergen-Belsen.

Glenn said: “He never spoke about his experience­s there unless he was asked. He never volunteere­d the informatio­n.

“When he was asked, he always spoke of the terrible smell that invaded his nostrils, which he said never left him.

“The sights he saw as he entered the

“He was deeply honoured when he was asked to accompany the Queen back to Belsen for the 70th anniversar­y of the liberation.”

Apart from being named as our Great Scot last year, Eric – who met Winston Churchill and King George VI – was also

Edinburgh Donald Wilson is in the process of getting a full-length statue of Winkle made for Edinburgh airport.

“Winkle may be gone but he will never be forgotten.” awarded a CBE and Distinguis­hed Service Cross.

As we begin our search for this year’s national heroes, Glenn – who is dad to Michelle, 46, and Melanie, 45 – reveals just how much the award meant to his father.

He said: “He was a devoted Scotsman and remained so right to the end. When he retired from flying at 76, he seriously considered going back to Scotland to live but the weather put him off.

“Two of his happiest postings were at Lossiemout­h and he spoke fondly of Scotland all his life. To be honoured in his homeland meant so much to him.

“We are busy going through dad’s things. We are sending the majority to museums and organisati­ons where they will be appreciate­d.

“He kept all his school books and we are giving them to the Royal High School in Edinburgh along with the internatio­nal cap he won for playing schoolboy rugby.

“He was a loving dad, husband, grandfathe­r, great-grandfathe­r, pilot and pioneer but first and foremost he was a proud Scot.”

We launch our Great Scot awards today and want to hear about ordinary Scots achieving the extraordin­ary.

Editor Jim Wilson said: “We were proud to honour Captain Brown and delighted he could collect his award last year.

“He was a Great Scot in every possible way. What he achieved was inspiratio­nal and his love of life was obvious when he joined us at the ceremony.” Martin O’Neill, from our sponsors Specsavers, said: “We’re ver y proud to be suppor t i n g t he Great Scot Awards.

“We can’t wait to see a l l the nomination­s and look forward to finding some truly Great Scots.”

Sunday Mail

Do you know a Scot who goes the extra mile every day but never asks for any recognitio­n or reward? Please tell us about the person who makes your home or community special. Four nominees will receive an Unsung Hero Award and one will be named our overall Great Scot of 2016. Sponsor This award celebrates an individual or group who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people within their local community.

When it comes to entertaini­ng, Scotland is world-class. From music and comedy to writing and performing, we lead the way. Let us know who you think deserves to follow in the footsteps of Biffy Clyro, Brian Cox and Kevin Bridges.

Sponsor Do you know someone who, through their hard efforts and determinat­ion, has achieved extraordin­ary sporting achievemen­ts? Or perhaps someone who spends their free time training others in a sport they love? Who do you think deserves recognitio­n for their dedication to sport?

Scotland is also an internatio­nal force to be reckoned with when it comes to business. Previous winners include John Boyle, Duncan Bannatyne and Jennifer Cheyne.

When it comes to charity, Scotland is as big-hearted as you can get. Do you know an individual or group who have dedicated their lives to supporting an amazing cause?

This award goes to someone who has made a contributi­on of outstandin­g significan­ce in their field over a number of years. Past winners include Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Jackie Stewart and The Krankies. This exciting new award is for a project that has used National Lottery funding to make an impact in their community. Do you know a good cause in your area that has achieved the extraordin­ary with Lottery cash? Is there someone near you who has made life-changing difference­s for the people around them? www. e websit uk or Visit our ards.co. cotaw greats Scotcot usatGreat l write to Centra s, One Award wG3 Glasgo Quay, uswhy telling 8DA, ee nomin your es deserv ition. recogn ne is Deadli ber4 Septem 2016 To forbuy enq spo tick uiri ets es,nso or 014 plersh or 1 ip em 309 ase Aae ail 490 call n@ Mic 6 trin itym hele . com irro r.

 ??  ?? HIGH-FLIER Eric in his University Air Squadron uniform in 1939 HONOUR Eric collects his Great Scot award last year
HIGH-FLIER Eric in his University Air Squadron uniform in 1939 HONOUR Eric collects his Great Scot award last year
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