The countdown to the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards is finally over - and today we reveal the unsung heroes who will be honoured at tonight’s red carpet spectacular.
Our glittering People’s Oscars will see 10 awe-inspiring Scots being recognised for their acts of courage and kindness.
From a have-a-go hero granny who tackled a hammer-wielding thug and a troupe of clowns to a brave teenager battling a cruel skin condition - this year’s winners are a cut above.
The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with TSB, will be hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli with Love Island’s Paige Turley and Laura Anderson bringing all the goss from the red carpet.
Here we reveal the recipients - the ordinary men, women and children who have achieved the extraordinary and are, undoubtedly, the pride of our nation.
- For the winners’ stories in full please see the in-depth and colourful pull-out inside today’s paper.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT - Roy Cox O.B.E, 74, Bishopton, Renfrewshire
After his daughter Cheryl was born deaf and blind he co-founded Sense Scotland, and devoted 35 years to supporting deafblind children and their families.
Thanks to the services established by the disability charity Cheryl, now 44, lives independently, and loves swimming, skiing and playing in a band. Roy retired as chairman in 2020, but his legacy lives on.
CHILDREN OF COURAGE - Grace, 10, and Harry Sinclair, nine, Dunfermline, Fife
The siblings have raised more than £20,000 for charity It’s Good 2 Give after Harry was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2019. They want to help other families coping with cancer.
Grace hosted two virtual bake-offs, and took part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk while her brother was receiving treatment. She also got her Brownie group involved and completed a three-hour Zumbathon.
CHILD OF COURAGE - Jade Edward, 10, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire
The quadruple amputee, who lost her arms and legs to sepsis as a toddler, is now making big waves as one of the UK’s top young surfers.
Last year she became the youngest-ever athlete and first ever Scot to compete in a top US surfing competition representing Scotland in the ISA World Para Surf Championships in California as part of the first ever Scottish Para Surf Team.
TEENAGER OF COURAGE - Isla Grist, 14, Black Isle, Ross and Cromarty
The “butterfly” schoolgirl suffers from epidermolysis bullosa which means her skin tears at the slightest touch. Despite, living in constant pain, Isla inspires everyone she meets with her bravery.
Footballing hero Graeme Souness, who has helped to raise more than £1m for DEBRA, a charity which supports Isla and funds research into a cure, said: “Isla inspires me every time I am in her company.”
OUTSTANDING BRAVERY - Roseann Gibson, 64, Glasgow
The 4ft11in hero grandmother wrestled a robber armed with a claw hammer to the ground in a newsagent and sat on him until the police arrived.
Officers later discovered the attacker was also carrying a knife. He admitted attempted robbery and threatening violence at Glasgow Crown Court.
PRINCE’S TRUST YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR - Shannon Thomson, 23, Dundee
The single mum was struggling on benefits and caring for two little boys, but with support from The Prince’s Trust, she now has a career working in the NHS.
Her guts and determination to help others and provide a good life for her sons is inspirational and she impresses everyone she meets.
TSB COMMUNITY HERO - Clowndoctors, nationwide
For more than 25 years, this troupe of fun-loving clowns have been helping to bring sunshine to thousands of sick children across Scotland proving laughter really is the best medicine.
Wearing bright yellow coats and shiny red noses, the clowns have brought joy to thousands of children in 27 hospitals, hospices, special schools and care homes across Scotland.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION - Ruth Moss, 51, Edinburgh
The mum who lost her daughter to suicide now campaigns and raises money for online safety and awareness. She is also a tireless volunteer for the NSPCC.
Ruth’s daughter Sophie was 13 when she took her own life in 2014. She had been exposed to unsuitable material online before she died, including violent pornography and sites promoting self-harm and suicide.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION - Steven McCluskey, 60, Leith, Edinburgh
He set up the Bikes for Refugees (Scotland) charity which refurbishes donated old bikes to help
refugees get around and integrate into the community.
Since 2017 his band of volunteers in Edinburgh and Glasgow have refurbished and passed on more than 2000 bikes to asylum-seekers across Scotland, who they call New Scots as a symbol of solidarity and welcome.
EMERGENCY SERVICES HERO - Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance
For 10 years the Air Ambulance has played an integral part in Scotland’s emergency response network, getting paramedics and specialist teams quickly to the scene of serious illness and injury.
Last year they airlifted more patients than ever before to often-critical hospital care and since launching they have carried out more than 5,000 life-saving missions.
- catch all the news and surprises from our glittering awards in tomorrow’s Daily Record
- tune into the Red Carpet LIVE at 5.30pm tonight on Facebook and Instagram @prideofscotland
https://www.facebook.com/prideofscotland.org
https://www.instagram.com/prideofscotland/
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