The countdown is on to our Great Scot awards – and host Jackie Bird is getting her waterproof make-up ready for an emotional night.
This will be the eighth year that the BBC Scotland news anchor has taken charge of proceedings at our 27th “People’s Oscars” and she is raring to go.
With less than a week before she takes to the stage with co-host Sanjeev Kohli, the TV newsreader has revealed her favourite Great Scot moments.
These range from an over-enthusiastic pensioner playing the spoons to the dignity of the parents of murdered Islamic State hostage David Haines, who collected an award on his behalf.
Having to share presenting duties with unpredictable comedian Kevin Bridges and honouring legendary World War II pilot Captain Eric “Winkle” Brown are also at the top of her most memorable list.
Jackie, 55, said: “The evening belongs to our Great Scots and their nearest and dearest. It’s not only proper for the nominees and winners to be celebrated, but their families and friends, too.
“If they have suffered trauma, their families have had to watch them struggle, or, if the recipients have
dedicated themselves to the service of others, their families will have had to make sacrifices to enable them to do it.”
There have been many incredible winners since Jackie took the hosting reins in 2010 but she admits the one who made the biggest impression on her was test pilot Eric.
Britain’s best and bravest pilot, who was crowned the Great Scot of 2015, Eric passed away just four months after the awards, aged 97.
The former Royal Navy pilot, who survived 11 crashes, remains the most decorated test pilot of all time – being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross.
Mum-of-two Jackie said: “Eric’s life and wartime exploits read like a piece of fiction. It was such an honour to meet him.
“I will also never forget the dignity of David Haines’s mother Mary. Her son had been held hostage then killed by IS yet she found the strength to come and collect the award and celebrate his life.”
The newsreader admits the awards ceremony is an emotional night – but it also has lighter moments.
She said: “One of our past community champions, an 86-year-old called Peter Lee, brought the house down. He is known as Mr Spoons and never travels without them. Once on stage, he launched into a song and the crowd lapped it up.”
Entertainment at this year’s awards, in association with Specsavers, will be provided by Glasvegas and Hipsway as VIPs from music, sport, TV and film salute Scotland’s unsung heroes.
Sunday Mail editor Brendan McGinty said: “Many things have changed over the last 27 years but at least one thing has not – Scotland’s ability to produce exceptional people. It will be our privilege to salute them.”
