An Edinburgh doctor is to be given a special recognition at tonight’s Pride of Scotland awards after finding the first effective treatments against Covid-19.
The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards 2021 will return tonight (July 27) at 8pm on STV Player and will honour Scotland’s biggest heroes.
Among them is 42-year-old Dr. Kenneth Bailie from Edinburgh, a Critical care specialist who leads a lab at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute.
The medical professional spent the last 20 years focused on his research into better care for seriously ill patients and how genes can play a part in response to infection.
When the pandemic hit, he turned his attention to Covid-19 and led the UK-wide, ground-breaking GenOMICC study, which showed that there are genetic associations with critical Covid-19.
Dr. Bailie also helped discover that those with particular genes were more likely to get it badly which allowed researchers to trial new treatments.
Crucially, he contributed to the set-up and delivery of the RECOVERY trial, which found the first effective treatment, a steroid called dexamethasone and has gone on to find a further two treatments.
Dr. Kenneth Bailie is one of a number of inspiring Scots being recognised at the awards taking place at South Queensferry’s stunning Hopetoun House.
Among the award winners is Sir Godfrey Palmer (known as Geoff), 81 of Midlothian who has been a powerful voice in the movement for change prompted by Black Lives Matter, after many years as a human rights activist including campaigning for a reinterpretation of the Melville Monument in Edinburgh honouring Henry Dundas.
Karen Morrison, 46, from Fife is also to receive a special recognition after founding a charity to help siblings separated by the care system to be reunited and create new, happy memories together.
Foster carer Karen founded the charity Siblings Reunited (STAR) in 2013 and has since reunited 500 estranged siblings.
Karen hosts foster children on her farm in Fife for an average of two hours a month to allow them opportunities to reconnect with their family network.
Commenting on the award winners, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:” "It is my honour to pay tribute to the Pride of Scotland Award winners.
"Whatever life throws at us we know that individuals and communities across Scotland will always rise to the challenge and that has never been more evident than over the last 18 months.
“The winners are all great shining examples of that.
" They are brave, they are selfless, they are quite simply inspirational. Whether they are being recognised for saving lives, raising money for charity, overcoming adversity or inspiring others in Scotland and beyond we are proud of each and every one of them. Congratulations to all the winners, you truly are the Pride of Scotland.”
You can hear the stories of the Pride of Scotland winners tonight at 20:00-21:00, Tuesday 27 July, STV/STV Player.
