HEROES ON HOGMANAY
T’S been a year we’ll never forget. And it’s coming to an end with a joyful Hogmanay TV show we’ll never forget too.
With a unique blend of inspirational real-life stories, celebrity surprises and sensational musical performances, Pride of Scotland from the University of Glasgow Cloisters is the perfect way to say farewell to 2020 and ring in 2021.
The past 12 months have been tough for all of us, but amid the grief of losing loved ones, and the unprecedented challenges we have faced, there is plenty to be proud of.
Scots young and old have come together to look out for each other, and that’s the spirit at the heart of the incredible Pride of Scotland Hogmanay show on STV.
Hosted by Elaine C Smith and Kirsty Gallacher, and including a breathtaking fireworks display at midnight, The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards, in partnership with TSB, celebrate the nation’s unsung heroes.
Winners include brave lifesavers, inspirational kids, and members of Scots communities who have pulled together like nowhere else in 2020.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sums that up in the show, when she says: “Over the past few months we’ve seen people all over the country come together, rally round and give support to people in need. I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everybody.”
Her comments are part of a special tribute to Charandeep Singh, the driving force behind the Sikh Food Bank, which has delivered more than 100,000 meals across Scotland since lockdown began.
Charandeep had already been surprised with his trophy by our host Elaine at the People’s Palace in Glasgow, and pop star Rita Ora and comedian Michael McIntyre also pop up with their congratulations.
Surprises come thick and fast throughout the show. Dame Laura Lee, the former nurse who has built Maggie’s Centres into a global cancer charity, is astonished when Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall tells her she is a Pride of Scotland winner.
Camilla says: “What you’ve done is incredible and Maggie’s wouldn’t be where it is without you. You’ve given so many people hope and inspiration”
And from royalty to rock royalty, Sir Rod Stewart and Lady Penny Lancaster reveal the good news to another stunned winner.
Some of the winners are at the Cloisters to relive the moment with Elaine and Kirsty, including schoolgirl Katie Pake. The music fan had a double surprise when she met first Lorraine Kelly, and then Texas star Sharleen Spiteri, on a tour of Abbey Road Studios.
Jenny Cook, winner of the Young Fundraiser award, thought she was on a day’s work experience when TV chef Gordon Ramsay and chart-topping band The Vamps, turned it into a day to remember.
And football fan John Haughie can’t hide his delight when he is surprised by Ally McCoist. John is at the Cloisters for the show, where two more of his sporting idols deliver a special message.
Lifesaver John’s heroic rescue is one of the most dramatic stories of the night, along with an amazing clifftop effort by coastguard volunteer Jamie
Newlands to save a stranded teenager when a helicopter and lifeboat had been beaten back by the weather.
And heroism has no age limit – Child of Courage Greg Galloway was just eight when he pulled his grandfather from an icy river.
At the other end of the age spectrum, George Parsonage has saved more than 1,500 people from the Clyde
L-R: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, singer Annie Lennox, tennis star Sir Andy Murray, football legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and pop star Rita Ora all pay tribute to our heroes