P&O CRUISES

Meet the people who faced the tough task of picking winners from inspirational Pride of Scotland entrants

- BY RUTH SUTER

THE star-studded Pride of Scotland judging panel has hailed acts of "bravery, kindness and love" taking place around the country every day.

The judges reunited on Wednesday to choose the 2026 Pride of Scotland champions.

Themes of courage, selflessness, determination and bravery were on the agenda as deliberations on the finalists took place at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel.

It took two-and-a-half hours of round-table discussions and debate from hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli.

Other judges included basketball star Kieron Achara, Love Island winner and singer Paige Turley, STV news anchor Kelly-Ann Woodland and entrepreneur and TV star Sheli McCoy.

They were helped by Pride of Scotland's editorial director, Shiraz Lalani, P&O Cruises' chief commercial officer, Stuart Allison, editor-in-chief of the Daily Record, Neil McIntosh, and deputy assistant chief officer at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Ian McMeekin.

Winners were selected in categories including Child/Teenager of Courage, Emergency Services, P&O Cruises Inspiration Award, Special Recognition and Lifetime Achievement.

Two Doors Down star Elaine - who will take to the stage for the sixth time as host of The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards, with P&O Cruises - said of this year's winners: "All nominees deserved to win, so we had to make what felt like some brutal decisions.