Susan Boyle steals the show on red carpet at Pride of Scotland Awards

Superstar Susan Boyle and an adorable Shetland pony named Wilson were the centre of attention on the red carpet at the Pride of Scotland Awards last night.

The Glasgow Hilton was abuzz with celebrities from the realms of music, sports, and television, all there to pay tribute to the nation’s unsung heroes at the prestigious People’s Oscars.

Yet, it was the iconic BGT songstress and the miniature therapy pony, donning a full tartan ensemble, who truly turned heads as they graced the red carpet at the beginning of the star-studded ceremony, which also saw attendance from newly appointed First Minister John Swinney.

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Susan, who later bestowed a Special Recognition award upon Wilson and his owners Elaine and John Sangster from Therapy Ponies Scotland, expressed her admiration: “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’ personalities Paige Turley and Laura Anderson shone brightly as they chatted with the array of celebrity guests arriving on the red carpet.

Paige, donning a chic black two-piece outfit, shared her thoughts: “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.”, reports the Daily Record.

Edinburgh’s socialite Laura, who was radiant in red expressed: “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.”

Elaine C Smith, the event host, looked striking, as did Sheli McCoy also known as Sabre from Scots Gladiator, alongside Dawn Steele from Monarch of the Glen, Doon Mackichan from Two Doors Down, Anna Campbell-Jones from Scotland’s Home of the Year, Taggart’s Blythe Duff, and presenter Amy Irons.

Among the suited and booted men were Denis Lawson, Star Wars actor, Greg Taylor, footballer, Sanjeev Kohli the show host, Still Game’s Gavin Mitchell and Greg Hemphill, Grado from Scots Squad, and Love Island’s Anton Danyluk. However, our attention was on the brave men, women and youngsters being honoured for their tremendous contributions to our nation.

The Pride of Scotland Awards saw commendable acts of compassion, heroic selfless deeds and millions raised for charity rewarded across 11 categories. Young Courage Award winners, Abbie Jarvis, 14, and Kaylynn Donald, 13, received resounding applause.

The teenagers bravely waived their anonymity in support of a campaign advocating for victims of youth violence.

Saluting their act of bravery, Gladiator star Sheli confessed: “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.”

Asif Iqbal, who heroically saved a person from a flaming vehicle, was left utterly speechless upon receiving the Outstanding Bravery award from boxing icons Barry McGuigan and Jim Watt. Barry McGuigan expressed his admiration, saying: “What a worthy winner – jumping to the rescue without any regard for his own safety.”

The Stoltman brothers, renowned strongmen, made a surprise appearance to honour Child of Courage Caleb Stirrat, the driving force behind a charity aiding families of other terminally ill children. Tom Stoltman, crowned World’s Strongest Man, praised the young hero: “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 have raised over £300,000 for children fighting cancer, were astounded when they received accolades from comedian Doon Mackichan and basketball star Kieron Achara. Doon Mackichan commended their efforts, remarking: “Their compassion for others at a time when they were both receiving cancer treatment is commendable. What remarkable young women.”

Special Recognition was also given to John Aitchison, who established a fire and rescue service on Mount Everest, and to the RNLI in celebration of their 200th anniversary.

Teenager of Courage Lochlan, whose charity collaborates with the SFA to raise diabetes awareness, was pleasantly surprised by a message from Liverpool and Scotland footballer Andy Robertson. Andy Robertson shared his thoughts, stating: “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.”

PC Andrew McLaughlin and Ibrahim Malik, our local heroes from the Emergency Services, were given their due recognition by Scot Squad’s very own Grado and Manjot Sumal for their bravery in apprehending thieves armed with machetes.

The illustrious Young Achiever accolade, an initiative of The Prince’s Trust, was awarded to Sarah Garvin. She is the founder of a booming cake business and a passionate advocate for young individuals suffering from ADHD.

Her introduction by actress Blythe Duff left her astonished.

Taggart’s star, Blythe Duff voiced: “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.”

Elaine Wyllie, the mind behind The Daily Mile health drive catering to children, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement laurel. The award was handed over by Trainspotting actor James Cosmo, making it one of the most touching moments of the night.

James Cosmo, famed for his role in Highlander, praised: “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.”

Following a scrumptious meal and performances from the chart-topping Nathan Evans and rock duo St Phnx, the evening saw the winners partying till the break of dawn with the celebrities.

Stay up-to-date with all news related to our glitzy awards on Facebook and Instagram at @pride of Scotland.

To grab more details about this year’s most-awaited gala, make sure to get your hands on tomorrow’s Daily Record.

Roll of honour.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – Elaine Wyllie, 68, Burntisland, Fife.

CHILD OF COURAGE – Caleb Stirrat, eight, Clydebank.

TEENAGER OF COURAGE – Abbie Jarvis, 14, Glasgow and 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, and 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 and PC Ibrahim Malik, Lanarkshire.