A DEATH-defying female cop, a charity worker tackling loneliness among OAPs and an Asian walking group - meet the trio of winners who are the Pride of Scotland.
PC Clare Chalmers, 55, Louise Russell, 46, and Boots & Beards, were all honoured at our glittering ceremony at The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.
Here we share their experiences of the incredible night when Scotland said thank you and the great and the good honoured their achievements.
EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD - PC Clare Chalmers
OUTLANDER heartthrob Sam Heughan, EastEnders’ actress Laurie Brett and radio and panto legend Grant Stott were honoured to sing the praises of hero cop PC Chalmers.
Laurie said she was in awe of the policewoman’s instincts after she single-handedly tackled a knife-wielding thug who was threatening a woman at a remote home on the Isle of Mull.
The Waterloo Road actress said: “Talk about girl power. Nothing was going to stop Clare protecting the victim even though she must have known the personal danger she was in. What an incredible woman!”
While in a special video message Sam, who is tipped to play the next Bond, said: “Clare you are so very deserving of this award. You went above and beyond the call of duty to protect the community. Thank you for your bravery and your dedication. We are all so very proud of you. I will be raising a wee dram to you tonight.”
PC Chalmers, 55, was on her way home after a 10-hour shift when she was called back to reports of a violent man on the loose and as the nearest on duty officer was some distance away, she decided to attend alone.
When she arrived, the Constable found a woman with a bloodied face who said she had been assaulted by a man and that he was still at large in the property.
PC Chalmers found him hiding in another room under a duvet. Without warning, he produced two knives and threatened to stab both the officer and the woman.
The officer pulled out her PAVA spray, and used it to disarm him before leading the woman the woman to safety.
The man stayed in the property - threatening the women while they waited for backup.
Capital Radio’s Grant, who spent four years as an officer with Lothian and Borders police before entering show businesss, praised Clare’s bravery. He said: “She is a credit to her profession, her country and everyone who loves her. It takes guts to go it alone against an armed attacker. Her only thoughts were to keep the woman safe. What a remarkably brave person she is.”
Clare said: “I was only doing what any other police officer would do in my position and I would do it again in a heartbeat. My job is to protect. I feel truly humbled by this award.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Clare’s instinctive and courageous actions resulted in the arrest of a violent offender who subsequently received a custodial sentence.”
TSB COMMUNITY HERO - Louise Russell
STILL Game’s Greg Hemphill and Gavin Mitchell had a ball on stage with big-hearted Louise Russell at our people’s Oscars.
The actors joked around with the Glasgow charity worker and show host and co-star Sanjeev while presenting her well-deserved Special Recognition award.
Greg and Gavin paid tribute to Louise, 46, who founded a unique charity to tackle loneliness amongst old people by helping them adopt rescue animals.
Chewin’ The Fat star Gerg said: “What’s not to love about this incredible woman and her charity? There is a loneliness pandemic in this country and Louise is on a mission to help combat it. Pairing up OAPs and dogs in need of a home is truly inspired.”
Gavin, who plays Boaby the Barman in Still Game, added: “Like most people, my mental health took a beating during Covid and it was my wee Spanish rescue dog Boaby that got me through. What Louise is doing is wonderful.”
Louise had always volunteered, but dreamed of setting up a charity that would address two issues close to her heart - animal welfare and isolation in older people.
Her big idea was to help combat loneliness in the over-60s, by removing some of the financial barriers to adopting a rescue pet and in 2013, she founded Give a Dog a Bone… and an animal a home.
In 2018, Louise expanded the charity’s offering by launching community space projects in Glasgow’s Shawlands, Troon and Alloa. Each community space operates a Pet Food Bank, as well as free activities for the over 60s, such as Group Dog Walks, Reflexology, Chair Yoga, Art Club and Singing for Wellbeing.
Through the charity, Louise has helped thousands of animals, and older adults, to have a happier life - together.
She said: “Just seeing the happiness and companionship a dog can bring to someone’s life is amazing. So many older people feel lonely and isolated and a dog can make a life-changing difference.”
Louise also got a video message from Afterlife star Ricky Gervais, who said: “Congratulations on the great work you do for the older community and animals. They all need our help so well done.”
SPECIAL RECOGNITION - Boots & Beards
CORONATION Street star John Michie and Homes Under the Hammer presenter Martel Maxwell were delighted to hand over a Special Recognition award to Naveed Bakhsh, 44, and Zain Sehgal, 35, from Boots & Beards.
Naveed and Zain, who run the unique hiking group with Kash Butt, 43, are helping Glasgow’s Asian community discover freedom, friendship and mental wellbeing in the Scottish mountains.
Holby City actor John said: “What a simple but incredibly effective idea this trio have had and implemented. They have blown me away. Walking is good for the soul and body and these gentlemen have used it to foster friendship, mental wellbeing and fun.”
The guys founded Boots and Beards five years ago after Kash fell severely ill and as part of his recovery, decided to take up hiking to get fit. Family and friends were inspired by his Facebook pictures to join him, and he soon realised the walks could have a wider impact.
Kash, a pharmacy manager, said: “Nature doesn’t recognise colour; it is there for everyone. Also, there’s a lot of stigma about mental health in our community. It doesn’t get talked about, especially among males. It’s their bravado. They are the family head and have to be the strong one – sometimes that can be too much.”
Zain added: “When we started the group, men were opening up. They were with people their age and could share any issues they had with people they were comfortable talking to.”
Boots and Beards is open to all ages, faiths and genders, with pensioners and families with toddlers walking together. Groups are now mixed, but there is also a women only group called Bonnie Boots.”
TV favourite Martel said: “I love that they have now incorporated a walking group for women where they can leave the trials of family life behind and have some me-time with female friends. What an inspirational group!”
Boots and Beards is now a registered charity, and has branched out into badminton, spin classes and boot camps. They also organise Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
They received a message from EastEnders actress Nina Wadia, who said: “Nature is there for everyone to enjoy and what the group is doing is so important and they are sending out a really positive message. Well done Boots & Beards you are the pride of Scotland.”
- The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with TSB, will broadcast on STV on Tuesday, July 19 at 8pm
