Latest news with #PrideofScotlandAwards
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
TV presenter Amy Irons can't wait to celebrate this year's Pride of Scotland winners
The broadcaster hails the unsung heroes set to be honoured at our People's Oscars BBC presenter Amy Irons has interviewed world-class actors, footballers and musicians but admits it's the unsung heroes at our Pride of Scotland Awards who leave her starstruck. The News at Seven anchor said every year our inspirational winners blow her away and their stories have her reaching for the tissues. Amy, 34, who has stocked up on waterproof mascara for next week's glittering ceremony, said: 'Every time I go to the Pride of Scotland Awards I end up crying the whole way through. 'Seeing people who are so deserving of recognition and don't realise it themselves is totally humbling and although their stories leave me a blubbering wreck they also uplift my soul. 'These modest and caring individuals have all achieved the extraordinary and never look for recognition so seeing them celebrated is a beautiful thing. 'You only have to look at how many big stars come every year to support the event to realise just how worthy all the winners in that room are.' Amy, who will be among a host of celebrities walking the red carpet at our 2025 People's Oscars on Monday 23, added: 'Last year's community champions Sarah Miller and Molly Cudihy left a lasting impression on me. 'The best friends met in hospital while undergoing cancer treatment as teenagers and despite their own health battles managed to raise more than £300,000 to support other sick children. 'Their selflessness really struck a chord with me - at the lowest and hardest point in their lives their first thoughts were for others. They are just remarkable young girls.' Amy, who is the daughter of former Dunfermline and Partick Thistle player Davie Irons, said the Awards also highlight the impact Scottish bravehearts are making all over the world. The Sportscene presenter, who hosted the BBC's high-profile Hogmanay 2024 show, said: 'Scots are making a huge difference in every corner of the world. 'Just look at 2024 winner firefighter John Aitchison who was deployed to Nepal following the devastating 2015 earthquake and was so moved by what he saw that he returned to provide aid and has set up Everest's first fire and rescue service. 'Scotland is jam packed with unsung heroes who are not only making a big impact on their own communities but are leaving a mark across the globe.' Joining Amy on the red carpet at the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises will be a host of stars including singer Susan Boyle, Game of Thrones star James Cosmo, Sheli McCoy aka Sabre the Gladiator and Strictly stars JJ Chalmers and Dr Punam Krishan. The TV personality, who started in broadcasting 10 years ago and has become one of the most popular presenters on the box, said: 'Pride of Scotland is the biggest event in the Awards calendar and the wealth of stars, sports people, politicians and musicians who attend is phenomenal. 'But for me the unsung heroes will always be the biggest stars of the night and no movie star or celebrity will ever outshine them.' Amy, who hosts popular podcast Sacked in the Morning podcast with former Scotland manager Craig Levein, admitted her personal Pride of Scotland is her mum Fiona Hird. The broadcaster, whose brother Lewis, 32, does match commentaries on the radio for Sportsound and the TV for Sportscene, said: 'I know I am biased but my mum is one of life's unsung heroes who goes above and beyond for everyone else. 'For the past 20 years she has been working with Fabb Scotland providing Respite weekends for disabled young people and on top of that she is now Chief Exec of Glasgow's Golden Generation charity which tackles loneliness among the elderly. She also cares for my granny who has dementia. 'Like all the winners recognised at Pride she goes about what she does quietly and never seeks recognition. She is truly one in a million.' Amy is still pondering what to wear on the red carpet at the glitzy event, which will be hosted by Sanjeev Kohl and Elaine C Smith. She said: 'It's nice to have the opportunity to get all dressed up and celebrate all that is good about Scotland. I haven't settled on an outfit yet but I will be bringing a handbag to hide all my tissues in. It's going to be another emotional and uplifting night.'
STV News
12-06-2025
- Health
- STV News
Motherwell FC lead tributes to seven-year-old who died following lung transplant
Tributes have been paid across Scotland to a seven-year-old boy from Motherwell who has tragically died just weeks after receiving a lung transplant. Zac Gunn, from Motherwell, was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2019, a rare condition that affects the heart and lungs. The youngster, who doctors said had always exceeded expectations, received a lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London on May 17. Zac passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, June 9. The seven-year-old, who had been dubbed a 'wee warrior', won over the hearts of his doctors and was awarded the Child of Courage prize at the Pride of Scotland Awards in 2022. With tributes pouring in, his loss has been felt across the country, and a JustGiving page has been set up for those who want to donate money that will go to the Gunn family. Among those paying tribute is Motherwell FC, who confirmed they will be making a significant contribution to the fund. They wrote on their club website: 'Zac Gunn, a devoted young Motherwell supporter, was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2019, a rare condition impacting the heart and lungs. 'His journey resonated deeply with many, showcasing his incredible courage and inspiring those around him. 'Tragically, Zac passed away earlier this month, and we are reaching out to the broader football community to unite in support of the Gunn family during this difficult time. 'Our goal is to raise sufficient funds to help his parents, Gordon and Ashley, provide Zac with the farewell he truly deserves. 'Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on.' STV News 'Wee warrior' Zac Gunn won the Pride of Scotland Award Staff at Cathedral Primary School remembered Zac as the 'most beautiful, gracious and courageous boy'. A statement from the school read: 'It is with a heavy heart and much sadness that I share the news that Zac Gunn passed away on the evening of Monday June 9, surrounded by his mum, dad, and gran. Zac received a lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital on May 17. 'During his short life, Zac lifted the spirits and brought deep joy to more people than most of us could ever hope to touch in our lifetime. Zac was, quite simply, the most beautiful, gracious and courageous boy I ever encountered and he never failed to live his wee life to the absolute full. 'Zac leaves a huge hole in each of our hearts and in the Cathedral school community. He will be sorely missed. 'We send our sincere condolences to Zac's family, particularly to his mum and dad, big brother and gran, assuring them of our love and prayers at this sad and difficult time. 'There wasn't a more devout wee boy than Zac. We ask Jesus to receive him into his loving arms in heaven, where there will be no more tears, pain or suffering.' The charity AR26 said that Zac's legacy will live on. They wrote: 'We are deeply saddened to share that Zac Gunn, our first AR26 Experience beneficiary and a huge inspiration behind this programme, has passed away. 'The Gunn family have been a huge part of the AR26 journey and Zac's legacy will live on, to know him was to love him – a true inspiration. 'Our thoughts and support are with the Gunn family at this heartbreaking time.' Musical duo Saint Phnx described Zac as a 'true warrior'. They said: 'Our hearts are sore and heavy hearing of the passing of a special young fan. 'Zac Gunn you showed strength like no other – a true warrior who touched the lives of everyone around him with his courage, bravery and light. To his incredible family – our hearts are with you. 'Happy place will forever carry your spirit Zac.' You can donate to Zac's GoFundMe here. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BGT finalist Vinnie McKee says his late brother will be with him in spirit when he takes to the stage tonight
The singer also reveals his joy at being asked to perform at this year's Pride of Scotland Awards HOLIDAY park bingo caller Vinnie McKee is one song away from being crowned the winner of this year's Britain's Got Talent. The 29-year-old from Glasgow's Ruchazie is hoping Scotland will get behind him when he takes to the stage in tonight's live final. And as he sings for the win Vinnie says his late brother Frankie, who passed away suddenly last year from a suspected irregular heartbeat will be there in spirit cheering him on. The caravan park entertainer, whose version of Proclaimers' hit 'I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) bagged him Simon Cowell's golden buzzer in his audition said: 'When I step on stage tonight my brother will be there with me and I will 100 per cent be singing for him. 'I felt Frankie beside me when I sang in the live semi-final. I spoke to him before I went on saying he better be on stage waiting for me as I could not walk out there myself and he was. 'Losing him has been devastating for my whole family. Last year was the worst time of our lives but BGT has given us all something to be excited about. It's been a bit of light at the end of a very long tunnel. Vinnie, who stormed into the final after winning the public vote in the semis, added: 'When I sang 500 Miles in my audition it was an ode to my brother and everything that has happened to our family. 'I didn't say that out loud at the time but I think everyone could feel and hear the emotion in my voice as I sang the words. 'My mum, dad, sister, aunt and uncle will all be in the audience tonight and Frankie will be with me on stage cheering me on. I want to make him, my family and Scotland proud.' Vinnie, who is set to perform at this year's Pride of Scotland Awards, will be joined in the final by LED dance crew The Blackouts, 11-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson, ping pong dancing troupe Ping Pong Pang and comedian Joseph Charm. Singers Maya Giotea and Stacey Leadbeatter, the Hear Our Voice choir, nine-year-old gymnast Binita Chetry and drag queen singer Jasmine Rice are also in the race for the talent show crown. Although judges Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell will be giving their opinion on each act, who wins will all come down to the public vote and Vinnie hopes Scotland will get behind him. If he is victorious the soulful singer will be the second Scot to win the hit ITV show - following in the footsteps of Jai McDowell who took top spot in 2011. Vinnie, whose semi final cover of Snow Patrol hit Chasing Cars wowed viewers, said: 'I am so proud to be flying the flag for Scotland and it would be amazing if the nation got behind me tonight and voted. 'I feel like I have already won as reaching a final is a huge achievement for a wee boy from the East End of Glasgow.' Vinnie admits his BGT journey is a world away from his day job at Thurston Manor holiday park near Edinburgh, where he runs kids' clubs and does the bingo calling and he's loving every minute. The performer, who would buy a retirement home for his parents Ann and Joe with the £250,000 prize money, said: 'When I started in the holiday parks, I really loved it. My dream was to be this singer who performs for people and gets them to listen to my own music, but the dream got further away over the years but now thanks to BGT is back and I'm living it. 'This is the biggest thing I have ever done and I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure it is really happening. I'm used to singing in front of a room full of families in a caravan park and now I'm singing live in front of millions. 'After my audition the clip went viral on YouTube and the most crazy part was that I overtook Lady Gaga and Beyoncé on the trending list. A few celebrities have also been posting me on their social media too. It's just crazy.' The former St Andrews RC Secondary School pupil added: 'I went into my old high school last week and was able to tell the kids that no matter where they come from or what their background is they should never let go of their dreams because just look at me. 'I would never have imagined my dreams would have come true the way they have and hopefully it's only the beginning. 'It has inspired me to just go for it and make singing my full-time job. If I could do this every day for the rest of my life I would never retire. It's my passion and my dream.' Vinnie, who is planning to get into a studio soon and record some songs, says he will be forever indebted to Simon Cowell. The singer, who would love to do a collaboration with the Proclaimers, said: 'I'm chuffed to be Simon's first ever Scottish golden buzzer. I couldn't believe it when he pushed it and the confetti started raining down. He told me it was the best rendition of 500 Miles he had ever heard. 'During the audition I was trying not to look at the audience but I caught Simon's eye at one point and he was smiling. He was so lovely to me afterwards too. 'When I was standing on the stage in the semi-final and my VT was playing I looked down at the judges and Simon smiled at me and said, 'You've got this.' He also gave me the thumbs up. 'Knowing that he was rooting for me meant so much and I want to continue to make him proud as he took a chance on me and gave me the golden buzzer.' He added: 'I'm ready to give the performance of my life tonight so keep everything crossed for me. Bring it on! I've never been so prepared and I'm raring to go. 'I can't reveal what song I will be singing in the final but it's my twist on a classic by a well known band and I think folk should have their tissues at the ready.' Vinnie says he is also excited about performing at the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises on June 23. He said: 'I am over the moon and thrilled to have been asked to sing at the Awards and celebrate the nation's unsung heroes. Knowing that I will also be performing in front of some of the biggest names in Scotland is just unreal. 'It will be my first performance back home after appearing in the BGT final and I will be singing the Proclaimers' classic that kicked it all off so it's going to be extra special. I can't wait.' - The Britain's Got Talent live final will be on ITV1 and ITVX tonight at 7pm
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Love Island star stuns fans as she teams up with Take That member for charity gig
LOVE Island winner Paige Turley has stunned fans after teaming up with a hunky boyband member. Scottish beauty Paige, 27, was pictured with 5 Love Island star Paige joined forces with Howard Donald Credit: Instagram 5 The star showed off her dress for the occasion Credit: Instagram Paige and Howard joined forces for the Big Shiny Disco Brunch, along with a whole host of popular drag queens. "What a gig with @bigshinydiscobrunch & @howarddonald for the @catherinemcewanfoundation," Paige penned in the caption of the post where she posed with Howard. In the first snap, Paige could be seen sitting on a sofa beside Howard as they beamed for the camera. Posing with the Take That hunk, Paige was wearing a black and white vest t-shirt and had her legs on display. Read More about Love Island In other snaps from her photo dump, Paige could be seen performing on stage in a glittery red frock. Commenting on her Instagram post, one fan said: "What a great day. You were fabulous as always Paige." Another gushed: "You Look great Paige." "Very lucky girl lol," swooned another. Most read in Love Island A fourth then wrote: "Amazing. I love Howard." While a fifth penned: "Noooo , your so lucky!! Howard." Love Island's Anton Danyluk and Paige Turley has fun at Pride of Scotland Awards Although Paige is famed for starring on Love Island, she is also known for having participated in Britain's Got Talent in 2012. Both Paige and her ex have now moved on with their respective partners. Earlier in the year, Paige looked happier than ever as she showed off her new man at an event. 5 The star is a singer as well as an influencer Credit: Splash 5 Paige rose to fame on Love Island in 2020 Credit: Rex 5 Howard is well loved for being part of Take That Credit: AFP Love Island winners - where they are now EVERY year Love Island opens its doors to more sexy Islanders who are hoping for a holiday romance that could turn into more. Here we take you through all of the 2025 - The second series of All Stars saw STATUS: Still together. 2024 - The summer Love Island saw and Josh Oyinsan were STATUS: Broken up. 2024 - The first ever All stars spin off show was STATUS: Still together. 2023 - STATUS: Broken up. 2023 - The first series of 2023 saw STATUS: Still together. 2022 - STATUS: Broken up. 2021 - STATUS: Still together. 2020 - The first ever winter Love Island saw STATUS: Broken up. 2019 - Series 5 saw STATUS: Broken up. 2018 - It wasn't surprising fan favourites STATUS: Broken up. 2017 - STATUS: Broken up. 2016 - Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde were together from the start of the series, and since they won the show they've had two kids and are married. STATUS: Still together. 2015 - Despite poor STATUS: Broken up. Talking about how they met, she told The Sun: 'We knew of each other already and we're from the same area so had known of each other for a couple of years. 'But then I was in Ibiza in June with some friends and so was he, and we got together as all our friends knew each other.' Paige had She shared photos with a mystery man in a plunging dress at the time, but he's now been confirmed as her new boyfriend. In the post, she shared a series of ten pics and captioned it: "Some moments recently with my fave people!!"
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island star stuns fans as she teams up with Take That member for charity gig
Plus, more about Paige's career so far NEW PAIGE Love Island star stuns fans as she teams up with Take That member for charity gig Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island winner Paige Turley has stunned fans after teaming up with a hunky boyband member. Scottish beauty Paige, 27, was pictured with Howard Donald from Take That as they united for a charity gig. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Love Island star Paige joined forces with Howard Donald Credit: Instagram 5 The star showed off her dress for the occasion Credit: Instagram Paige and Howard joined forces for the Big Shiny Disco Brunch, along with a whole host of popular drag queens. "What a gig with @bigshinydiscobrunch & @howarddonald for the @catherinemcewanfoundation," Paige penned in the caption of the post where she posed with Howard. In the first snap, Paige could be seen sitting on a sofa beside Howard as they beamed for the camera. Posing with the Take That hunk, Paige was wearing a black and white vest t-shirt and had her legs on display. In other snaps from her photo dump, Paige could be seen performing on stage in a glittery red frock. Commenting on her Instagram post, one fan said: "What a great day. You were fabulous as always Paige." Another gushed: "You Look great Paige." "Very lucky girl lol," swooned another. A fourth then wrote: "Amazing. I love Howard." While a fifth penned: "Noooo , your so lucky!! Howard." Love Island's Anton Danyluk and Paige Turley has fun at Pride of Scotland Awards Although Paige is famed for starring on Love Island, she is also known for having participated in Britain's Got Talent in 2012. Paige and her Love Island ex Finn Tapp split in 2023, after winning the first winter series in South Africa back in 2020. Both Paige and her ex have now moved on with their respective partners. Earlier in the year, Paige looked happier than ever as she showed off her new man at an event. 5 The star is a singer as well as an influencer Credit: Splash 5 Paige rose to fame on Love Island in 2020 Credit: Rex 5 Howard is well loved for being part of Take That Credit: AFP Talking about how they met, she told The Sun: 'We knew of each other already and we're from the same area so had known of each other for a couple of years. 'But then I was in Ibiza in June with some friends and so was he, and we got together as all our friends knew each other.' Paige had previously hinted that she'd met someone new in September of last year. She shared photos with a mystery man in a plunging dress at the time, but he's now been confirmed as her new boyfriend. In the post, she shared a series of ten pics and captioned it: "Some moments recently with my fave people!!"
