The First Minister has hailed our Pride of Scotland unsung heroes as “brave, selfless and inspirational.”
Nicola Sturgeon has commended the winners for their courage and determination in the face of adversity and for going the extra mile to help others and their communities.
She 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.
“In that time we have seen NHS and care staff stand strong against enormous challenges. We’ve seen key workers from schools to supermarkets keep our country going and we have seen people from all across Scotland come together to look after one another.
“The winners are all great shining examples of that, they are brave, they are selfless and 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 of winners you truly are the Pride of Scotland.”
The First Minister is not the only well-kent face to have thrown their support behind our inaugural Pride of Scotland Awards.
A host of stars of entertainment and sport have hailed not only our 11 winners but our People’s Oscars for the light they are shining on the nation’s unsung heroes.
From Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Trevor Macdonald and Jarvis Cocker to James Corden, Karen Gillan, Bear Grylls and Alesha Dixon had lots to say in praise of our bighearted champions.
Here are some of the words they had to say about the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards, in partnership with TSB.
Host Kirsty Gallacher said: “This show is all about celebrating the very best of Scotland. No matter how young or old, they have all gone to extraordinary lengths to help others.”
Her co-host Nicky Campbell added: “A night full of heroes. Scotland has a million reasons to be proud of their people and these awards are testament to that.”
Singer Alesha Dixon to Teenager of Courage Lily Douglas: “I can’t think of anyone that deserves this award more than yourself. I love you and can’t wait to see you again.”
Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard to Child of Courage Aaron Hunter: “Congratulations on winning your award. Despite, all you have been through you have always shown incredible strength and bravery. You are an inspiration to all of us mate.”
Actor Martin Clunes to Aaron, ten,: “You really are a superstar. I can’t believe with all the doctors you have seen in your life you like watching another one on the telly. Well done mate you really are a star.”
Adventurer Bear Grylls to Young Fundraiser Brynn Hauxwell: “To me it is not just the challenge itself but how you’ve raised so much for Ability Shetland. Truly amazing. Three things that stand out with you are courage, kindness and your never give up spirit. You’ve got all of those things in spades. Everyone is so proud of you. Here’s to your next challenge.”
Actress Karen Gillan to Brynn: “I was so impressed by the challenge you did for Ability Shetland. Everybody in Shetland must be so proud of you and so are we.”
Rugby legend Doddie Weir to Emergency Services winners PCs Lisa MacPherson and David Fraser: :What you did that night was truly remarkable. I can’t think of anything braver than going into a burning building. The emergency services put their lives on the line to protect us everyday. Lisa and David you are an absolute brilliant example of that.”
Sir Jackie Stewart to the hero cops: “Stornoway is very lucky to have you on patrol to keep the community safe. You make me very happy and very proud to be Scottish.”
Unforgotten star Sanjeev Bhaskar to Lisa and David: “Congrats on your awards. It was your quick response and incredible bravery that literally saved lives. You went beyond the call of duty.”
Singer Alex James to Covid consultant Dr Kenneth Baillie: “We are so grateful for everything you do, your pioneering work has saved so many lives, you thoroughly deserve this award. Well done you beauty.”
Singer Jarvis Cocker to Dr Baillie: “I just wanted to say thanks for everything you have done for me and everybody.”
Comedian Joel Dommett to Dr Baillie: “A massive congratulations on your award and a huge thank you for everything you have ever done. You are a wonderful human being.”
Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri to Dr Baillie: “Thank you for all the incredible work you have done over the years and helping get us in a place we can actually see other human beings.”
Sir Cliff Richard to Outstanding Bravery Award winner Gerard Morrison: “I don’t think I could have confronted someone who was armed and wasn’t in their full mind. I’m thrilled to know you are a fan of mine so not only are you brave you have impeccable taste.”
Sir Kenny Dalglish to Gerrard: “I know you are a Celtic supporter and although they weren’t champions last year in their mind and everybody else’s mind you are a champion this year.”
Actor and chatshow star James Corden to TSB Community Hero Jamie McCallum: “I was so moved by the Wouldn’t Change a Thing video that you created. It’s an amazing and positive message to change perceptions on Down Syndrome and is honestly the best carpool karaoke I have ever seen.”
Singer Annie Lennox OBE to Special Recognition and charity founder Karen Morrison: “I wanted to congratulate you so much on everything you have been doing and your fantastic work with STAR.”
Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood to Karen: “Congratulations. You have done an incredible job, the work that you do in Scotland on your farm keeping the siblings together is to be admired.”
Bake Off’s Prue Leith added: “What you do to reunite adopted and fostered siblings is just amazing you so deserve this award congratulations.”
Telly queen Lorraine Kelly to Prince’s Trust Young Achiever Olivia Blackburn: “You’ve overcome so much and the way you have refused to lie down and let life beat you is just inspirational. You are a true role model for young people everywhere. You should be very proud. You are an absolute superstar.”
Sir Trevor Macdonald to Lifetime Achievement winner Sir Geoff Palmer: “You so immensely deserve an award. You have done so much work in so many fields - the brewing industry, botany, as an educator and more recently in the important field of community relations. You are such a great inspiration.
Baroness Doreen Lawrence, mum of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, to Sir Geoff: “This award is so well deserved for all the work you have done.”
