Celebrating the Pride of Scotland

As a proud partner of the Pride of Scotland Awards, we love to see extraordinary people being celebrated for their resilience, heroics and triumphs.

4 min 20 May 2026

Editorial Team

Author

Not all heroes wear capes, but some of them wear kilts!

We believe that amazing people should be recognised for the incredible things they do. That’s why we’re honoured to partner with the Pride of Scotland Awards, the annual event that pays tribute to some of the country’s most extraordinary folk.

What is the Pride of Scotland Awards?

The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards, with P&O Cruises, celebrates Scots who are transforming the lives of the people around them.

Each year, the spotlight shines on otherwise unsung heroes. The award winners, of all ages and from all walks of life, are chosen by the Pride of Scotland judging panel after thousands of public nominations. Their achievements are celebrated at a glittering ceremony, which is always an inspiring highlight on the nation’s calendar. And, while many famous faces from across Scotland and beyond take part in this special evening, the real stars are the winners – ‘ordinary’ people who’ve done extraordinary things.

Pride of Britain award pictured on board Britannia.
Client : P&O Cruises.
Picture date: Monday November 25, 2024.
Photograph by Christopher Ison ©
07544044177
chris@christopherison.com
www.christopherison.com

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING IMAGE LICENCING FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH: This image is supplied to the client under the terms previously agree. No sales are permitted unless expressly agreed in writing by the photographer. Image licence is for below the line only. No out of home use without acquiring an extended image licence.

A perfect partnership

We knew from the start that a collaboration between P&O Cruises and the Pride of Scotland Awards was a natural fit. We share a love for bringing people together to create unforgettable moments – all the while celebrating our brilliant Scottish heritage.

Our holidays transport you to a world of possibilities, where the journey is as exciting as the destinations and the memories stay with you for a lifetime. As the Pride of Scotland Awards inspires the nation to connect with others and make the world a little bit brighter, we feel privileged to have found such a perfect partner.

GLASGOW SCOTLAND - Pride of Scotland Awards 2025 at the Hilton Hotel Glasgow.

Georgie Hyslop

Billy Gilmour

TEENAGER OF COURAGE

Inspirational cancer patient has channelled her energy
into helping others and raised an incredible £51,000
despite her condition

The P&O Cruises Inspiration Award

It gives us immense pride to lend our name to the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award, which celebrates individuals or groups of people who’ve shown incredible bravery or kindness, or have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on others.

In 2025 this special honour was awarded to the Ups & Downs Theatre Group as it celebrated 30 years of empowering young people with Down syndrome through music, dance, and drama. Based in South Lanarkshire, the group was founded by three music teachers who recognised that young people with the condition often show strong musicality and a love for theatre.

Every Sunday, Ups & Downs Theatre Group welcomes around 70 participants, along with their siblings, to share their passion for performing arts. It’s also a great place to form friendships and build life skills, and for families to support each other. And the group often shares its magic with the world. In March each year, it holds a week’s worth of sell-out performances to show the cast’s amazing talents and promote the positives that come with Down syndrome. And in November 2025, the group even supported Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie at his sold-out show at the 14,000-capacity Ovo Hydro arena in Glasgow!

GLASGOW SCOTLAND - Pride of Scotland Awards 2025 at the Hilton Hotel Glasgow.

Ups and Downs Theatre Group

P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION
AWARD

Theatre group for children and young people
with Down’s syndrome and their siblings
which has been making a difference for three
decades

The 2026 Awards

Keep your eyes peeled to find out which everyday heroes have been shortlisted for this year’s Pride of Scotland Awards, taking place on 8 June 2026 in Glasgow. During a sparkling ceremony, the winners will be invited on stage to receive their awards – making moments to remember proudly forever.

Be sure to look out for news from us, as we’ll share more information on our blog and social channels nearer to the time.