TV presenter Amy Irons can't wait to celebrate this year's Pride of Scotland winners
The broadcaster hails the unsung heroes set to be honoured at our People's Oscars
BBC presenter Amy Irons has interviewed world-class actors, footballers and musicians but admits it's the unsung heroes at our Pride of Scotland Awards who leave her starstruck.
The News at Seven anchor said every year our inspirational winners blow her away and their stories have her reaching for the tissues.
Amy, 34, who has stocked up on waterproof mascara for next week's glittering ceremony, said: 'Every time I go to the Pride of Scotland Awards I end up crying the whole way through.
'Seeing people who are so deserving of recognition and don't realise it themselves is totally humbling and although their stories leave me a blubbering wreck they also uplift my soul.
'These modest and caring individuals have all achieved the extraordinary and never look for recognition so seeing them celebrated is a beautiful thing.
'You only have to look at how many big stars come every year to support the event to realise just how worthy all the winners in that room are.'
Amy, who will be among a host of celebrities walking the red carpet at our 2025 People's Oscars on Monday 23, added: 'Last year's community champions Sarah Miller and Molly Cudihy left a lasting impression on me.
'The best friends met in hospital while undergoing cancer treatment as teenagers and despite their own health battles managed to raise more than £300,000 to support other sick children.
'Their selflessness really struck a chord with me - at the lowest and hardest point in their lives their first thoughts were for others. They are just remarkable young girls.'
Amy, who is the daughter of former Dunfermline and Partick Thistle player Davie Irons, said the Awards also highlight the impact Scottish bravehearts are making all over the world.
The Sportscene presenter, who hosted the BBC's high-profile Hogmanay 2024 show, said: 'Scots are making a huge difference in every corner of the world.
'Just look at 2024 winner firefighter John Aitchison who was deployed to Nepal following the devastating 2015 earthquake and was so moved by what he saw that he returned to provide aid and has set up Everest's first fire and rescue service.
'Scotland is jam packed with unsung heroes who are not only making a big impact on their own communities but are leaving a mark across the globe.'
Joining Amy on the red carpet at the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises will be a host of stars including singer Susan Boyle, Game of Thrones star James Cosmo, Sheli McCoy aka Sabre the Gladiator and Strictly stars JJ Chalmers and Dr Punam Krishan.
The TV personality, who started in broadcasting 10 years ago and has become one of the most popular presenters on the box, said: 'Pride of Scotland is the biggest event in the Awards calendar and the wealth of stars, sports people, politicians and musicians who attend is phenomenal.
'But for me the unsung heroes will always be the biggest stars of the night and no movie star or celebrity will ever outshine them.'
Amy, who hosts popular podcast Sacked in the Morning podcast with former Scotland manager Craig Levein, admitted her personal Pride of Scotland is her mum Fiona Hird.
The broadcaster, whose brother Lewis, 32, does match commentaries on the radio for Sportsound and the TV for Sportscene, said: 'I know I am biased but my mum is one of life's unsung heroes who goes above and beyond for everyone else.
'For the past 20 years she has been working with Fabb Scotland providing Respite weekends for disabled young people and on top of that she is now Chief Exec of Glasgow's Golden Generation charity which tackles loneliness among the elderly. She also cares for my granny who has dementia.
'Like all the winners recognised at Pride she goes about what she does quietly and never seeks recognition. She is truly one in a million.'
Amy is still pondering what to wear on the red carpet at the glitzy event, which will be hosted by Sanjeev Kohl and Elaine C Smith.
She said: 'It's nice to have the opportunity to get all dressed up and celebrate all that is good about Scotland. I haven't settled on an outfit yet but I will be bringing a handbag to hide all my tissues in. It's going to be another emotional and uplifting night.'
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