REALITY TV ISLAND STAR’S TRIBUTE TO YOUNG SCOT YOU’RE MY FIRST LOVE
Youth group gave comic a big break
Love L Island has turned the hit show’s narrator Iain Stirling into a household name and he has revealed he’d be nowhere if it wasn’t for the support of Young Scot.
The 30-year-old comedian is still grateful that ththe national youth group funded his first show at ththe Edinburgh Fringe.
Iain said hosting this year’s Sunday Mail and SSteven Brown Art Young Scot Awards is his way of giving something back to the organisation.
He said: “I was genuinely flattered to be asked to host the awards as it gives me the chance to highlight the incredible work they do for young people across Scotland. I’m living proof that anything is possible if someone takes a chance on you when you are starting out.
“In 2006, my friend and I wrote a sketch show called Just so Ever Slightly Squared. I was 18 and we didn’t have enough money to put it on. We applied to Young Scot and the Scottish Arts Council for funds and they came good.
“The show got a three-star review and cost £ 4 for a ticket. We just about broke even but it was lots of fun and made me even more determined to pursue a career in comedy.
“If Young Scot hadn’t come forward with funding, I might have continued flying under the radar without getting a break so I owe them a lot.”
The comic – who is dating I’m A Celebrity pr e s ent er L au r a Whitmore – will host the award show in Glasgow’s SEC on November 30 to celebrate the achievements of inspirational young people.
Iain said: “I’m a sucker for a sob story and know the waterworks are going to start when I hear some of the finalists’ stories and what they have overcome.”
He will be in Scotland later this month to present three nights of Iain (Stirling) Does Jokes (With Pals) at the Edinburgh Fringe. His first book – Not Ready to Adult Yet – is out next month.
Nominations for our young people’s Oscars close at midnight tonight. We’ve had a record number of entries this year in al l 14 categories . Nominate at www.youngscotawards.com
Winners wi l l be announced on St Andrew’s Day, November 30, at one of the biggest signature events of the Year Of Young People 2018.