Pride of Scotland 2024 celebrity judges gather to decide winners

An Olympian, a pair of comedy legends, a couple of Love Islanders, a newsreader and a chart-topping music artist - this year’s Pride of Scotland judging panel was as star-studded as the event itself.

The judges, chaired by Editor in Chief of Reach (Scotland) David Dick, met in March to deliberate over the shortlisted finalists for our People’s Oscars. From acts of kindness and selfless bravery to raising thousands of pounds for charity and changing the lives of others, choosing the winners was extremely difficult.

It took three hours for the panel, which included basketball legend Kieron Achara, reality stars Paige Turley and Laura Anderson, STV newsreader Kelly Ann Woodland, hosts Elaine C. Smith and Sanjeev Kohli and singer Nathan Evans, to narrow down the field. Eleven winners were chosen in seven categories - Child of Courage, TSB Community Hero, Emergency Services, Lifetime Achievement, Prince’s Trust Award, Special Recognition and Outstanding Bravery.

Hours of deliberation around a table in the Hilton Glasgow ended in the selection of a group of incredible unsung heroes, whose stories will gladden hearts and make us proud to be Scots.

Chair David said: “Judging was an incredibly emotional experience and having to choose between the shortlisted finalists was a difficult and heart-wrenching task which took a lot of deliberation.

“There are so many people doing extraordinary things that go under the radar in communities across Scotland. These awards are the perfect opportunity to give them the recognition they deserve and celebrate the people who make this country great.”

Elaine C Smith, who will take to the stage for the fourth time as host of The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards, with TSB, said: “Being a judge is always the toughest gig of my year. If there were not time restraints I would still be sitting there trying to make my mind up as every single finalist was already a winner in my eyes.

“Every single one has gone the extra mile for someone in need and many have overcome adversity. I was so torn while discussing some of the categories but am happy with who we eventually agreed on.

“What makes me feel slightly better is that all those who didn’t win this time round will be back in the mix next year. Being spoilt for choice just shows just how many unsung heroes we have in our midst.”

Her co-host, Still Game’s Sanjeev, added: “We may be a wee country but when it comes to heroes we are one of the mightiest on the planet. I can’t wait to celebrate their extraordinary achievements.”

Basketball giant Kieron Achara, who played for Scotland and Great Britain, said: “I have played in some tough matches over the years but sitting on that panel was even tougher.

“It’s so important to acknowledge and validate the hard work people across Scotland are doing as it is contagious and has a ripple effect, inspiring others to spread good. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of unsung heroes - everyone from basketball coaches and teachers to my mum.”

Love Island winner and BGT star Paige Turley added: “I’m co-hosting the red carpet again with Laura Anderson and can’t wait. I’m even more excited about this year’s event as I got to play a part in choosing the winners and I’m looking forward to meeting them on the night.”

Both Laura and Wellerman singer Nathan Evans have become parents in the last year and admit judging the Children of Courage category was one of the hardest things they have had to do.

Nathan, whose son Hunter Alexander was born last April, said: “Becoming a dad has changed my whole outlook on life and reading all the kids’ heart wrenching stories had me welling up. I just can’t imagine my wee man going through some of the things they have. They just don’t deserve an award, they deserve the world.”

Love Island favourite Laura, who gave birth to daughter Bonnie last September, added: “I was bad enough during the judging but am going to be a blubbering wreck on the night when I meet all the brave children. Being a mum has made me so emotional.”

News anchor and mum-of-two Kelly Ann has presented to the winners at past awards but admits being a judge has given her an even deeper affinity with the event. She said: “Being involved in the decision making process means a lot. I have to bring the nation lots of bad news and I love being able to shout about all the good news at Pride.”

Also on the distinguished judging panel were: Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell; Gary Jones, Customer Delivery Director, TSB and Sunday Mail Editor Lorna Hughes.

TSB’s Gary Jones said: “I am delighted to be involved in this brilliant event. Being a judge was humbling. It makes you proud to be Scottish. Judging one person’s bravery and courage against another’s was a near-impossible task. We are so lucky to live in a country where so many go the extra mile for others.”

Police chief Jo Farrell was equally impressed. She said: “Fantastic - any one of the shortlisted nominations could have been a winner. It was an honour to be involved in the judging process. It was no easy task and there was a lot of debate.”

Sunday Mail editor Lorna Hughes added: “The awards are aptly named - the finalists all make me proud to be Scottish. When it comes to compassion, selflessness and determination the Scots cannot be beaten.”

Our 11 incredible unsung heroes will be celebrated at a ceremony at The Hilton, Glasgow, and will be attended by a myriad of stars from TV, sport and music.

Winners of the red carpet event, which is in its fifth year, will be announced in the Daily Record on Monday, May 20, with coverage continuing that week.

Tune into the Red Carpet LIVE at 5.30pm on Monday, May 20 on Facebook and Instagram @prideofscotland