STV newsreader Kelly-Ann Woodland is an expert at remaining professional while having to break heart-wrenching stories to the nation.
But the News at Six anchor admits hearing about the achievements of the unsung heroes at our Pride of Scotland Awards always has her reaching for the tissues.
The mum-of-two, who is one of our Pride of Scotland judges and has presented awards at all of our previous ceremonies, says the winners stories are so emotional she keeps extra waterproof mascara in her handbag.
Kelly-Ann, 43, said: “Pride of Scotland are the glittering jewel of award ceremonies. Stories of true heroism, hard work and dedication make for a sparkling night you won’t forget in a hurry. I swear, every year, I’m moved to tears hearing about these incredible Scots.
“I’ve been a guest since they began in 2020 and every year I dig out the hankies after being so touched by the courage and selflessness shown by Scotland’s unsung heroes.”
Last year Kelly-Ann and Star Wars actor Denis Lawson presented an award to firefighter John Aitchison who travels the globe helping those affected by natural disasters.
He has also overseen the establishment of Everest’s first Fire and Rescue Service.
The broadcaster, who is from Bonhill, Dunbartonshire, said: “As a firefighter, John is well used to facing danger and saving lives here in Scotland. But such is John’s dedication in helping others, he actually runs towards danger in countries which have been hit by natural disasters.
“To learn about his work in the aftermath of the Nepal earthquake was so humbling; taking action on the ground; training local emergency responders and even his free time is spent helping others through constantly fundraising. Both Denis and I were in absolute awe of John’s incredible work. What a hero.”
Kelly-Ann, who is mum to Mikey, 11, and Daniel, eight, said the Pride of Scotland Children of Courage always tug at her heart. She said: “I met Lily Douglas and her mum in 2021. The little dancer was fighting leukaemia but the courage just shone out of her.
“That beautiful child died the following year but she will never be forgotten.
“2022 Teenager of Courage Isla Grist is also an amazing young lady. She suffers from epidermolysis bullosa, which means her ‘butterfly skin’ blisters and tears at the slightest touch.
“She is in agony but she smiles through the pain. Watching Graeme Souness speak about how she is his hero broke my heart.”
Kelly-Ann also says she will never forget the little Ukrainian girl who mouthed, ‘We love you’ to 2022 winner Stevie Carr, who had rescued her and 55 other orphans from the war-ravaged city of Dnipro.
She said: “One moment that will stay with me is watching Stevie Carr, a big bear of a man, well up when the Ukrainian kids he saved surprised him on stage.
“Stevie, the driving force behind Dnipro Kids, a charity born after Hibs played Dnipro in 2005, risked his life to bring them back to Scotland.
“Stevie had no realisation of the enormity of what he had done. He has changed so many lives but thinks nothing of it and is oblivious to the difference he made.”
Nominations for this year’s awards are well under way. We want to hear about people who have made a difference in our local communities and beyond.
The combination of big hearts and big stars make the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises – the People’s Oscars – a runaway success.
The details of this year’s ceremony in Glasgow, hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli, will be confirmed in the David Dick, Editor In Chief of Reach (Scotland) said: “Extraordinary people rarely think they have done anything out of the ordinary.
“They don’t seek attention, yet what they do changes and transforms the lives of others – whether with one simple act or in a lifetime’s work.
“It’s time for you to tell us about them.”
HOW TO NOMINATE
YOU can nominate an unsung hero for a Pride of Scotland Award with P&O Cruises, by going to the prideofscotland.org website.
The closing date is Sunday, March 16, 2025.
P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION AWARD – Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspire everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact.
OUTSTANDING BRAVERY – For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger.
CHILD/TEENAGER OF COURAGE – For battling against the odds to help others or putting themselves at risk to save lives.
YOUNG FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR – To reward a person aged 16 or under for inspirational charity work.
EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD – For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty to help others.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION – For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of the Armed Forces.
