pride of scotland awards
CELEBRITIES HONOUR THE COURAGE OF INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE AT SPECIAL PRIDE OF SCOTLAND AWARDS
Famous faces told of their delight at being able to help turn the spotlight on unsung heroes at a special Pride Of Scotland Awards ceremony. TV and reality stars, musicians, actors and sports pundits helped hand out the gongs at Hopetoun House in South Queensferry last week.
Strictly Come Dancing legend Arlene Phillips, 78, said she was “absolutely emotional and so thrilled” to be at the event.
Sea Shanty sensation Nathan Evans, Scottish rockers The Fratellis and Love Island winners Paige Turley and Finley Tapp were also on the red carpet.
Paige, 23, beamed as she said, “We were at Pride Of Britain last year but it was a virtual event, so it is great to be in Scotland. This is Finn’s first event in Scotland and we’ll be here all week, spending time with the family.”
Singer Nathan, 26, said, “All these people have done so much and to be at an event of this calibre is fantastic.”
Still Game’s Sanjeev Kohli, 49, and Gavin Mitchell, 56, and musician Midge Ure, 67, were also at the bash. Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher, 45, looked stunning in a strapless black gown as she hosted the event alongside TV presenter Nicky Campbell, 60.
But the celebs weren’t the focus of the evening as the awards, staged in partnership with TSB, recognised the achievements of 11 incredible ordinary people.
Lily Douglas, 13, who is battling a rare cancer, was presented with the Teenager Of Courage award. Praising her, singer and TV star Alesha Dixon, 42, said, “I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more. I love you and can’t wait to see you again.”
Meanwhile, Sir Kenny Dalglish, 70, and Sir Cliff Richard, 80, presented Gerard Morrison, 72, with the Outstanding Bravery Award for saving a woman’s life by fighting off a knifeman.
The Child Of Courage gong went to Aaron Hunter, 10, who was the first child to get a “heart in a
box” transplant. He was surprised with congratulations from actor Martin Clunes, 59, and ex-footballer Steven Gerrard, 41.
Jamie Mccallum, 42, picked up the TSB Community Hero award for his Wouldn’t Change A Thing video, which went viral. The footage celebrated children with Down’s syndrome. Chat show host James Corden, 42, told him the video was “honestly some of the best carpool karaoke I have ever seen”.
Special Recognition went to Karen Morrison, 47, who runs a charity that reunites foster siblings. GBBO judge Prue Leith, 81 – who adopted a daughter herself – said, “Karen, what you do is just amazing. You so deserve this award.”
Dr Kenneth Baillie, who recognised the first effective treatment for Covid, was also honoured. And adventurer Bear Grylls, 47, sent a message to Young Fundraiser winner Brynn Hauxwell, 16, who pushed himself 1,679 miles in his wheelchair for charity. He said, “What you have done is so remarkable.”
Awards also went to police officers Lisa Macpherson, 30, and David Fraser, 42, who rescued two people after a car crashed into a house in Stornoway.
TV host Lorraine Kelly, 61, praised the efforts of Olivia Blackburn, 24, who won The Prince’s Trust Young Achiever prize for overcoming mental and physical challenges to become a nurse.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Sir Godfrey Palmer, 81, a prominent voice in the Black Lives Matter movement. Sir Trevor Mcdonald, 81, and Stephen Lawrence’s mother, Baroness Lawrence, 68, sent their congratulations.
Finally, Scotland’s national football team got The People’s Award for its brilliant Euros run after making it to a major tournament for the first time in 23 years. It was a fitting night to honour and celebrate those who have made such a huge difference during such a tough year.