Tales of courage and charity as inspirational winners earn gratitude of a nation.
20:31, 23 Jun 2025Updated 20:58, 23 Jun 2025
Paige Turley and Stevie Jukes attend the ‘Pride of Scotland Awards'(Image: Roberto Ricciuti/WireImage)
The stars were out tonight to honour the nation’s inspirational unsung heroes at our glittering People’s Oscars.
Dozens of well-kent faces from music, sport and TV including First Minister John Swinney gathered at the Glasgow Hilton to celebrate our Pride of Scotland Award winners.
Love Island’s Paige Turley dazzled as she and Saint Phnx’s Stevie Jukes interviewed the myriad of star guests who posed for snaps on the red carpet.
Paige, who wore a sparkly black sequin dress said: “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.
“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.”
Susan Boyle attends Pride of Scotland Awards(Image: Alasdair MacLeod)
Stevie, who looked dapper in a velvet jacket and dickie bow, added: “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.
“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.
Host Elaine C Smith cut a striking figure, as did Sheli McCoy, aka Scots Gladiator Sabre, singing legend Susan Boyle, Eastenders actress Laurie Brett, Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan, Love Island’s Laura Anderson and presenters Amy Irons and Jean Johansson.
Hollywood star Brian Cox, Star Wars actor Denis Lawson, Game of Throne’s James Cosmo, footballers Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland, host Sanjeev Kohli, comedian Al Murray and DJ George Bowie were all suited and booted for the biggest night of the year – but really all eyes were on the men, women and kids who were being honoured for their part in making our country great.
Paige Turley and Stevie Jukes attend the ‘Pride of Scotland Awards'(Image: Roberto Ricciuti/WireImage)
From humbling acts of kindness and selfless acts of bravery to raising millions for charity, the Pride of Scotland Awards, with P&O Cruises, recognised 12 winners over eight categories.
One of the biggest cheers of the night went to Young Fundraiser Theo Hardie, seven, who ran 100 miles to raise money for his little brother Jude’s wheelchair.
And Theo’s face was a picture when he was presented with his award by his heroes Rangers goalie Jack Butland and Sheli McCoy aka Sabre the Gladiator.
Sheli said: “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 recipients Asiyah and Jawad Javed were delighted to meet Succession legend Brian Cox who hailed the shopkeepers for the role they play in their community.
The Braveheart star said: “What an amazing display of community spirit.”
Outstanding Bravery winner Stewart Miller, who risked his life during a killer storm to save a woman from drowning in the River Tay, was given his award by his favourite comedian – Al Murray.
Sheli McCoy(Image: Alasdair MacLeod)
His dog Troy, who alerted him to the woman’s distress, also received a special bravery dog tag.
Al said: “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 tackled an armed robber, enjoyed a laugh on stage with the cast of BBC hit show Scots Squad.
Napoli and Scotland footballer Billy Gilmour and surprised Teenager of Courage Georgie Hyslop, 16, who has raised more than £51,000 for others during her battle with cancer.
Billy, who is considered one of Scotland’s best players, said: “Georgie is an inspiration. Such a strong and selfless person who always puts others before herself.”
One of the most uplifting moments of the night was when P&O Cruises Inspiration Award winners – the Ups and Downs – performed ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman.
Laura Anderson at Pride of Scotland awards(Image: Alasdair MacLeod)
The theatre group for young people with Down’s Syndrome and their siblings jumped with joy when they were honoured on stage by Strictly’s Dr Punam Krishan, singer Nathan Evans and Corrie actor Liam Bairstow.
Nathan said: “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.”
Special Recognition winner “Vape Crusader” Laura Young, who is the driving force behind the successful campaign to ban the sale of disposable vapes in Scotland, was also lauded.
Emergency Services hero, coastguard winch paramedic Norman Macleod, who braved storms to drop solo onto a ship where two sailors had suffered horrifying injuries, was over the moon to receive his award from JJ Chalmers.
The Invictus Games and Strictly star said: “I’m in awe of Norman’s composure under pressure.”
Special Recognition recipients Asiyah and Jawad Javed (Image: Alasdair MacLeod)
King’s Trust Young Achievers Ashleigh Lancaster, 28, who is overcoming the trauma of domestic abuse and set up a business education front line workers about mental health and Shane Lee, 26, who has autism and secured his dream job in Marks & Spencers were also saluted.
Ashleigh’s assistance dog Blu became the second four-legged hero to be honoured with a special tag.
Jean Johansson paid an emotional tribute to Special Recognition winners the Speirs family who built a network of holiday homes and flats in memory of their son Calum and have supported the families of more than 3000 children with cancer.
Theo Hardi ran 100 miles to raise money for his little brother Jude’s wheelchair(Image: Alasdair MacLeod)
The A Place in the Sun presenter said: “This incredible family has achieved so much in memory of the wonderful Calum.”
One of the most poignant moments was when Lorraine Kelly paid tribute to Scotland’s Champion Sir Chris Hoy via VT. She said: “Chris is a giant of a man both in and out of the saddle. Speaking out about his cancer diagnosis has already saved lives.”
The winners, who were entertained by BGT finalist Vinnie McKee partied into the wee small hours with the stars.
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