It was a night that had everything – even two dogs wearing tuxedos. The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises saw a host of stars turn out to recognise the courage and selfless determination shown by the nation’s unsung heroes. Hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli, the glittering event at Glasgow’s Hilton was an uplifting showcase of everything that is good about Scotland. Celebrities including Succession star Brian Cox, Gladiator Sheli McCoy and footballers Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland were queuing up to sing the praises of the inspirational winners at our ‘People’s Oscars.’ Here are ten of the most magical and memorable moments from the night. Vinnie McKee opened the show with the rousing version of Proclaimers’ hit ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) which earned him Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer in the Britain’s Got Talent auditions. The 29-year-old holiday park entertainer from Ruchazie, Glasgow, set the tone for the whole evening with his soulful and uplifting voice which had the audience on their feet. Vinnie said: “Pride of Scotland was my first performance since the BGT final and getting a standing ovation is a moment I will never forget. “It was such an honour and a privilege to open the show and I felt humbled to be asked to be part of such a special night.” There were audible gasps when the Succession star nipped in to present Stenhousemuir shopkeepers Asiyah and Jawad Javid with their Special Recognition award. The couple who donated more than £100,000 of food and medical assistance to people in their community since the pandemic were left speechless when he surprised them on stage. The Hollywood actor, who is busy rehearsing for a new play in his hometown of Dundee, said: “What an amazing couple. Scotland’s sense of community is what keeps this nation great. This evening as always has been totally overwhelming and uplifting.” The theatre group made up of young people with Down’s Syndrome and their siblings brought an extra helping of joy to the night. After picking up the P&O Cruises Inspiration award from Corrie actor Liam Bairstow, Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan and singer Nathan Evans, the incredible group performed a spellbinding rendition of ‘This is Me’ from hit movie ‘The Greatest Showman.” The enchanting group spent the rest of the evening hugging guests, signing autographs and spreading joy wherever they went thanks to their infectious personalities. Ellis Leggatt, from Ups and Downs said: “It has been the best night ever. We are all so so happy and proud of what we have achieved.” Georgie Hyslop, 16, who is battling cancer but has channelled her energy into helping others despite her condition, is a massive fan of chart topper James Herriott. So her face was an absolute picture when he gifted her one of his Fender guitars in the press room after the awards. The teenager, who has raised more than £51,000 to help other cancer patients, was overcome with emotion when her musical hero surprised her. James, whose album ‘Don’t Tell the Dog,’ got to number one in the UK charts said: “Georgie is the strongest person I have ever met. She is the very definition of courage and being here to present her with her award is the least I can do.” Duncan, Caroline and Jenna Speirs who run Calum’s Cabin – a charity that provides holidays for terminally ill children and their families – won a cruise in a surprise giveaway. The selfless family, who rarely have time to go on holiday, were dumbstruck when they were revealed as the winners of P&O Cruises incredible prize. The trio, who are off on a 14 night cruise around the Caribbean in November, can’t wait to catch some winter son on the other side of the world. Caroline said: “As if winning a Pride of Scotland Special Recognition award wasn’t enough already… Duncan nearly had to pick me off the floor I was that shocked and overwhelmed.” Last year there was a little pony in a kilt but on Monday night it was two dogs in tuxedos that were the talk of the red carpet. Troy the fox red golden retriever looked dapper in his dickie bow as he accompanied owner Stewart Miller, winner of the Outstanding Bravery award. Troy was presented with a special dog tag after aiding Stewart in the rescue of a woman who was drowning in the River Tay during a storm. Trainee assistance dog Blu, who belongs to King’s Trust Young Achiever Ashleigh, was also sporting a jazzy tux and became a fan favourite with the guests. Sheli McCoy told seven-year-old Theo Hardie he was a real life Gladiator after running 100 miles to raise money for his little brother’s wheelchair. The weightlifting champion said she had even come up with a name for him – ‘Centurion’ – as a nod to him completing his incredible fundraising challenge. Sheli said: “Theo is a real life Gladiator – his strength, determination and empathy for others makes him a champion in my eyes. The bond he has with his gorgeous little brother is very special. He has the heart of a warrior and he is only seven.” Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney hailing cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy as Scotland’s Champion had everyone reaching for the tissues. The FM said the six time Olympic gold medallist, who is refusing to let his terminal cancer diagnosis get him down, is a legend both in and out of the saddle. Swinney said: “Sir Chris is an absolute sporting legend who has achieved so much but then in the face of adversity has demonstrated the strength and resolve which is of course so characteristic of all of the Pride of Scotland winners.” Love Island’s Paige Turley stayed calm despite suffering from a wardrobe mishap in the taxi on the way to the event. The singer, who was hosting this year’s Red Carpet Live alongside Stevie Jukes of Saint Phnx, gasped after discovering her long sequin gown had split at the bum. But Paige took it all in her stride and kept on talking while a member of the crew sewed her back into her dress. She said: “It was my boyfriend who spotted the split. Thank goodness we got it fixed before folk started to arrive. Pride of Scotland is my favourite event of the year.” The inspirational show was rounded off with hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli inviting all the winners to return to the stage. There was a cocophony of cheers and a ten minute standing ovation for the incredible unsung heroes, who continued to party with the stars into the wee small hours. Elaine C Smith said: “These awards are a reminder to everyone that there is still so much good in the world with folk looking out for their neighbours and going above and beyond to help others in their communities. “The room was filled to the rafters with ‘angels’ who are quietly making a massive difference to the world. Seeing them all together on the the stage at the end lifted my soul and warmed my heart.” – Watch the Pride of Scotland winners’ stories at: https://www.youtube.com/prideofbritainawards from Friday 27th June