Unsung heroes honoured by celebrities at glittering Pride of Scotland Awards

Daily Mirror

4 hours ago

Hollywood star Brian Cox, Love Island winner Paige Turley and the First Minister were among the big names who joined us in Glasgow tonight to celebrate our unsung heroes
Glasgow rolled out the red carpet this evening to celebrate Scotland 's remarkable unsung heroes with a touch of showbiz sparkle. A constellation of celebs from music, sports, and television world including Deputy First Minister John Swinney assembled at Glasgow Hilton to toast to our inspiring Pride of Scotland Award recipients.
Love Island breakout star Paige Turley was spotted looking stunning as she and Saint Phnx frontman Stevie Jukes took on interviewing duties, catching a moment with the glamorous attendees as they arrived.
‌
Paige, who shone in her sparkly black sequin dress, expressed: "This is my absolutely favourite night of the year as the awards shine a light on people who have been doing so much for others but never seek any recognition."
‌
She further revealed her excitement about the event saying: "As a judge I already know the winners' stories so meeting them in person is just brilliant. I love seeing their faces when the celebs come up and ask them for selfies.", reports the Daily Record.
Stevie, equally dashing in his velvet jacket and dickie bow, commented: "The Pride of Scotland Awards are massive and the number of big names who turn out to celebrate our nation's most inspiring people is phenomenal."
He then reflected on the true stars of the night stating: "But what the unsung heroes don't realise until they arrive at the awards is that they are the ones who leave the celebrities starstruck because their selfless achievements are far greater."
The ceremony saw the likes of host Elaine C Smith, Scottish Gladiator Sheli McCoy – known as Sabre, cherished singer Susan Boyle, Eastenders icon Laurie Brett, Strictly sensation Dr Punam Krishan, Love Island's Laura Anderson, and TV personalities Amy Irons and Jean Johansson lighting up the venue with their presence.
‌
Hollywood heavyweight Brian Cox, Star Wars icon Denis Lawson, Game of Thrones veteran James Cosmo, football stars Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland, telly host Sanjeev Kohli, funnyman Al Murray, and DJ George Bowie donned their finest for the glitziest bash of the year – yet it was the unsung heroes who truly stole the show at the Pride of Scotland Awards, in partnership with P&O Cruises.
The ceremony honoured 12 remarkable individuals across eight categories, celebrating everything from extraordinary acts of courage to phenomenal charity fundraising efforts.
One of the loudest ovations of the evening was for Young Fundraiser Theo Hardie, aged seven, who embarked on a 100-mile run to fund his brother Jude's wheelchair.
‌
Theo was over the moon receiving his accolade from his idols, Rangers' goalkeeper Jack Butland and Sheli McCoy, better known as Sabre the Gladiator.
Sheli expressed her admiration: "I was blown away by the love Theo has for his little brother and seeing them together just melted my heart. The bond they have is incredible."
‌
Special Recognition awardees Asiyah and Jawad Javed were thrilled to rub shoulders with Succession star Brian Cox, who commended the couple for their invaluable community service. Brian praised their efforts, saying: "What an amazing display of community spirit."
Stewart Miller, who won the Outstanding Bravery award for his daring rescue of a woman from the River Tay during a deadly storm, was presented his trophy by his favourite comedian, Al Murray.
His loyal pooch Troy, who sounded the alarm over a woman in danger, was honoured with a special bravery dog tag. Al stated: "Stewart is such a worthy winner - jumping to the rescue without any regard for his own safety and if Troy hadn't been there he might not have noticed her plight."
‌
Dunfermline shop workers Bob Bell, Cheryl Gourlay, Aisha and Usman Javid, who confronted an armed robber, shared giggles on stage with the cast of BBC's popular show Scots Squad.
Napoli and Scotland football ace Billy Gilmour gave Teenager of Courage Georgie Hyslop, 16, a fantastic surprise, acknowledging her efforts to raise more than £51,000 for charity amidst her personal battle with cancer.
Billy, touted as one of Scotland's finest on the pitch, commented: "Georgie is an inspiration. Such a strong and selfless person who always puts others before herself."
‌
A joyous highlight of the evening came when the Ups and Downs – winners of the PandO Cruises Inspiration Award – gave a stirring rendition of 'This is Me' from The Greatest Showman.
The drama group for youngsters with Down's Syndrome and their siblings leapt up in exhilaration as they received their honour from Strictly's Dr Punam Krishan, crooner Nathan Evans, and Corrie's Liam Bairstow.
‌
Nathan remarked: "The Ups and Downs were amazing. When they sang everyone in the room got goosebumps. They are pure joy to watch. I had a lump in my throat."
Laura Young, dubbed the "Vape Crusader" for her pivotal role in advocating for a ban on the sale of disposable vapes in Scotland, was celebrated with a Special Recognition award.
Coastguard winch paramedic Norman Macleod, who heroically descended onto a ship amidst storms to aid two severely injured sailors, was thrilled to be honoured by JJ Chalmers. The Invictus Games and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity expressed his admiration, saying: "I'm in awe of Norman's composure under pressure."
‌
King's Trust Young Achievers Ashleigh Lancaster, 28, battling past domestic abuse to educate front line workers on mental health, and Shane Lee, 26, an autistic individual who landed his dream role at Marks & Spencer, received well-deserved accolades.
Ashleigh's support dog Blu was recognised with a special tag, becoming the second canine to receive such an honour. Jean Johansson delivered a heartfelt homage to the Speirs family, Special Recognition awardees, who have created a network of holiday homes and flats in their son Calum's memory, aiding over 3000 families of children with cancer.
‌
The A Place in the Sun host praised the family's remarkable achievements, stating: "This incredible family has achieved so much in memory of the wonderful Calum."
One of the evening's most touching tributes came from Lorraine Kelly, who honoured Scotland's Champion Sir Chris Hoy via video link, remarking: "Chris is a giant of a man both in and out of the saddle. Speaking out about his cancer diagnosis has already saved lives."