Pride of Scotland Awards: Susan Boyle and Shetland pony steal show on red carpet

Superstar Susan Boyle and a little Shetland pony called Wilson stole the show on the red carpet at the Pride of Scotland Awards last night.

Dozens of well-kent faces from music, sport and TV gathered at the Glasgow Hilton to honour the nation’s inspirational unsung heroes at our glittering People’s Oscars. But it was the legendary BGT singer and the tiny therapy pony dressed in a full kilt outfit that stopped traffic when they hit the red carpet at the start of our glittering event, which was attended by new First Minister John Swinney.

Susan, who later presented Wilson and his owners Elaine and John Sangster from Therapy Ponies Scotland with a Special Recognition award, said: “What a gorgeous little pony and what a huge difference he and his owners are making. I feel so honoured to be here. This is an incredible evening celebrating extraordinary people who deserve special recognition. Anyone going above and beyond should be applauded.”

Love Island’s Paige Turley and Laura Anderson dazzled as they interviewed the host of star guests as they posed for photographers on the red carpet.

Paige, who wore an elegant black two piece, said: “It’s the most dazzling and meaningful night in the events calendar. There are so many famous faces but the real stars are the winners. To be able to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of ordinary folk who live just down the road from us all is very special.”

Laura, who sizzled in scarlet, added: “Scots know how to throw a party and this is one of the biggest and the best. I feel privileged to be part of it and don’t want the night to end.”

Host Elaine C Smith cut a striking figure, as did Sheli McCoy aka Scots Gladiator Sabre, Monarch of the Glen’s Dawn Steele, Two Doors Down actress Doon Mackichan, SHOTY’s Anna Campbell-Jones, Taggart’s Blythe Duff and presenter Amy Irons.

Star Wars actor Denis Lawson, footballer Greg Taylor, host Sanjeev Kohli, Still Game’s Gavin Mitchell and Greg Hemphill, Scots Squad’s Grado and Love Island’s Anton Danyluk 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.

From humbling acts of kindness and selfless acts of bravery to raising millions for charity, the Pride of Scotland Awards, in partnership with TSB, recognised winners in 11 categories. One of the biggest cheers of the night went to Teenagers of Courage Abbie Jarvis, 14, and Kaylynn Donald, 13, who waived their anonymity to back a campaign to support victims of youth violence.

Paying tribute to the brave pair, Gladiator star Sheli, said: “I was blown away by the strength of these two young girls. They have been through such a tough time and shown such courage. They are real life gladiators.”

Outstanding Bravery winner Asif Iqbal, who risked his life to pull a stranger from a burning car, was left speechless when he received his award from Boxing legends Barry McGuigan and Jim Watt.

Barry said: “What a worthy winner - jumping to the rescue without any regard for his own safety.”

Strongmen brothers Tom and Luke Stoltman surprised Child of Courage Caleb Stirrat, who is the inspiration behind a charity which helps the families of other terminally ill children.

World’s Strongest Man Tom said: “What a wee hero. Such a strong family and so lovely to see how much the triplets love and support each other.”

TSB Community Heroes Molly Cuddihy and Sara Millar, who raised more than £300,000 to support children battling cancer were gobsmacked when congratulated by comedy actress Doon Mackichan and basketball star Kieron Achara.

Doon said: “Their compassion for others at a time when they were both receiving cancer treatment is commendable. What remarkable young women.”

Special Recognition winners John Aitchison, who set up a fire and rescue service on Mount Everest and the RNLI who are celebrating their 200th birthday were also lauded.

Teenager of Courage Lochlan, whose charity works with the SFA to improve diabetes awareness, was taken aback with a message from Liverpool and Scotland footballer Andy Robertson.

Andy said: “Lochlan is a truly inspirational young man and he should be very proud of all he has achieved and the other young people he has helped.”

Emergency Services Heroes, PC Andrew McLaughlin and Ibrahim Malik, who apprehended machete-wielding car thieves, were honoured by Scot Squad stars Grado and Manjot Sumal. Prince’s Trust’s Young Achiever Sarah Garvin, who set up a successful cake business and is a vocal campaigner for other young people with ADHD, was stunned to be recognised by actress Blythe Duff.

The Taggart star said: “The Prince’s Trust helped Sarah set up her business and now she is paying that back by inspiring others. Such an amazing young woman.”

One of the most poignant moments was when Lifetime Achievement winner Elaine Wyllie, who created The Daily Mile health initiative for kids received her award from Trainspotting actor James Cosmo.

The Highlander star said: “Elaine’s simple idea has improved the health and lives of so many children. I am in awe of just how huge an impact she has had.”

The winners, who enjoyed a sit-down meal and entertainment from chart-topper Nathan Evans and rock duo St Phnx, partied into the wee small hours with the stars.

Catch all the news from our glittering awards on Facebook and Instagram @pride of Scotland

Get tomorrow’s Daily Record for more news from the event of the year.

Roll of honour

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT - Elaine Wyllie, 68, Burntisland, Fife

CHILD OF COURAGE - Caleb Stirrat, eight, Clydebank

TEENAGER OF COURAGE - Abbie Jarvis, 14, Glasgow & Kaylynn Donald, 13, Fife

TEENAGER OF COURAGE - Lochlan Murdoch, 15, Cumnock, Ayrshire

OUTSTANDING BRAVERY - Asif Iqbal, 43, Dundee

PRINCE’S TRUST YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR - Sarah Garvin, 30, Strathaven, Lanarkshire

TSB COMMUNITY HERO - Molly Cuddihy, 21, & Sara Millar, 20, Glasgow

SPECIAL RECOGNITION - RNLI at 200

SPECIAL RECOGNITION - John Aitchison, 46, Gordon, Aberdeenshire

SPECIAL RECOGNITION - Elaine and John Sangster, both 59, West Lothian

EMERGENCY SERVICES HERO - PC Andrew McLaughlin & PC Ibrahim Malik, Lanarkshire

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