The stars were out last night to honour the nation’s inspirational unsung heroes at the Daily Record's glittering People’s Oscars.
Well-kent faces from music, sport and TV gathered at The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh to celebrate our Pride of Scotland Award winners.
Stopping traffic and whipping the crowds, who had gathered outside the venue, into a frenzy was acting legend Brian Cox, who channelled his Succession character Logan Roy in a dapper suit.
He said: “I think these are really important awards as they honour ordinary people achieving the extraordinary. I think it’s just wow! So impressive.”
Love Island’s Paige Turley and Laura Anderson dazzled as hostesses with the mostest for the evening as they interviewed the host of star guests from the red carpet.
Dougray Scott said: “I'm very, very proud to be here and to present the Princes Trust Award. I think it's really important that this charity exists because I think it shines a spotlight on the people in society who are often forgotten.”
Paige, who wore a backless mocha floor-length Club L London gown, said: “This has to be the hottest night in the events calendar. We are loving meeting all the winners and the stars who are celebrating them.”
Laura, who looked stunning in a cream gown trimmed with feathers. added: “The Scots really know how to throw a good party. I feel privileged to be part of such an inspirational event.”
Host Elaine C Smith cut a striking figure, as did singer Tallia Storm, ex-EastEnders actress Laurie Brett, Bridgerton’s Ruby Barker, TV presenter Anna Campbell Jones, and Emmerdale’s Natalie Robb.
Natalie said: “These are the people who make me proud to be Scottish. The night belongs to them and I’m over the moon to be here to show my appreciation for their achievements.”
The girls may have brought glamour to the red carpet but the male celebs also put on a show with Mission Impossible’s Dougray Scott, football legend Graeme Souness, host Sanjeev Kohli, Still Game’s Gavin Mitchell and Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh all suited and booted for the night of the year.
Ever After star Dougray said: “When it comes to generosity and kindness - the Scots have it in bucketloads. All these unsung heroes deserve to be honoured and celebrated.”
Of course, all eyes were really on the people of all ages honoured for their part in making the country great.
From humbling acts of kindness and selfless acts of bravery to raising millions for charity, the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with TSB, recognised 10 incredible winners.
One of the biggest cheers of the night went to have-a-go hero granny Roseann Gibson, 64, who tackled a hammer-wielding thief and sat on him until the police came.
Still Game’s Greg Hemphill said: “Oh my. What a hero! We could have been doing with Roseann in Craiglang. I think she would fit right in with Jack, Victor and the rest of the gang.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Teenager of Courage Isla Grist, who suffers from the cruel and incurable skin condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB), was surprised on stage by her good friend Graeme Souness.
The famous football pundit, who recently swam the English Channel with Isla’s dad Andy and raised more than £1million for EB charity DEBRA said: “Isla has courage and bravery on a different level to anything I have ever witnessed. She is in constant pain but always smiling.
“She is such an impressive young woman. She’s smart, funny and so courageous and strong she makes you feel pretty average about yourself.”
Scotland women’s football players Rachel Corsie and Kirsty Hanson surprised fundraising heroes Grace, 10, and Harry Sinclair, nine, with their awards.
Aston Villa forward Kirsty said: “We both feel privileged to be here to honour this amazing brother and sister who have done so much to help others.”
Fellow Child of Courage winner Jade Edward, 10, who lost her arms and legs to sepsis as a toddler and is now making big waves as one of the UK’s top young surfers, received her Pride angel from paralympic gold medallists Richard Whitehead and Libby Clegg.
Libby, who is blind and won gold in both the 100m and 200m races at the Rio Games in 2016, said: “Jade’s courage and determination just blows everyone away. She is a star now and her future looks even brighter. A true sportswoman.”
One of the most poignant moments was when Lifetime Achievement winner Roy Cox OBE, 74, - whose charity Sense Scotland has helped the nation’s deafblind community, received his award from his namesake Hollywood actor Brian Cox.
The Braveheart and Bob Servant star said: “Roy has dedicated his life to helping others so his lifetime achievement award is incredibly fitting.”
Steven McCluskey, 60, whose charity Bikes for Refugees Scotland has provided more than 2000 bicycles to the country’s new Scots was delighted to be honoured by Ruby Barker and Irvine Welsh.
Irvine Welsh, who wrote Trainspotting, said: “What an incredible achievement and what a great idea! The charity truly deserves special recognition for what they are doing.”
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance was honoured with the Emergency Services Hero Award which was presented by trio of actresses Natalie Robb, Laurie Brett and Sharon Small.
Mum-of-two Shannon Thomson, 23, was left speechless when she was given her Prince’s Trust Young Achiever of the Year Award by Enigma actor Dougray Scott.
The Fife-born star, who is a supporter of the Trust set up by King Charles III in 1976, said: “Shannon’s achievements highlight the wonderful work done by the Prince’s Trust across the UK. She’s an inspiration and I’m proud to be here to honour her.”
One of the many colourful highlights of the night was when the Clowndoctors - a troupe of fun-loving clowns who bring sunshine to thousands of sick children across Scotland - were named TSB Community Heroes by comedians Janey Godley and Scot Squad’s Chris Forbes.
Chris aka “The Other Murray Brother” said: “The Clowndoctors are living proof that laughter really is the best medicine. What worthy winners and what a fantastic night!”
The winners in full:
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT - Roy Cox O.B.E, 74, Bishopton, Renfrewshire
CHILDREN OF COURAGE - Grace, 10, and Harry Sinclair, nine, Dunfermline, Fife
CHILD OF COURAGE - Jade Edward, 10, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire
TEENAGER OF COURAGE - Isla Grist, 14, Black Isle, Ross and Cromarty
OUTSTANDING BRAVERY - Roseann Gibson, 64, Glasgow
PRINCE’S TRUST YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR - Shannon Thomson, 23, Dundee
TSB COMMUNITY HERO - Clowndoctors, nationwide
SPECIAL RECOGNITION - Ruth Moss, 51, Edinburgh
SPECIAL RECOGNITION - Steven McCluskey, 60, Leith, Edinburgh
EMERGENCY SERVICES HERO - Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance
Find out more about what happened about our glittering awards in Friday's Daily Record and check out all the gossip on Facebook and Instagram @prideofscotland
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