AS excitement builds ahead of tomorrow night’s Pride of Scotland Awards, hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli are preparing to “gie it laldy” for the nation’s unsung heroes.
Returning to take the helm of our People’s Oscars the comedy duo can’t wait to give our inspirational 2026 winners a night they will never forget.
View 4 ImagesSanjeev, 55, who has just started filming the second season of Netflix hit Dept. Q, said: “This will be my fifth year as host and it’s the most fantastic and heart-warming and uplifting event in my calendar.
“There’s always so much joy, love and good will in the room as we heartily celebrate the best of Scotland.
“These incredible winners are achieving the extraordinary every day of their lives but never seek recognition.
“When their inspirational stories are told on stage, there are tears of sadness, laughter and joy – it’s just wonderful.
“The energy is intoxicating, and Elaine and I feed off it. We never want the night to end as it just keeps getting better and better.”
View 4 ImagesScottish entertainment legends Sanjeev Kholi and Elaine C. Smith will host the 2026 Pride of Scotland Awards
The Still Game star, who is dad to Ruby, 24, Bel, 21 and Vinay, 18, admitted he has lost count of all the stand-out moments over the years.
The Still Game star, who lives in Glasgow’s West End said: “There have been so many, but I suppose it is the kids that always get to me.
“Who can forget wee warrior Zac Gunn’s face when Paw Patrol came onto the stage or last year?
“Or when seven-year-old Theo Hardie told how he had walked 100 miles to raise money to buy a wheelchair for his little brother Jude so they could both play outside in the garden together?
“Then there’s smiley Georgie Hyslop, the cancer patient who has raised thousands for other sick kids despite being so ill herself and the Ups and Downs theatre group, who bring sunshine and joy wherever they go.”
Sanjeev, who would love to land a part in the reboot of hit kids’ show Balamory, added: “The selflessness and courage of the kids have me in bits every time. When I was their age, I was either arguing with my brothers or playing hide and seek under the bed.
“It’s lovely to recognise just how magical the nation’s young people are. The Pride of Scotland young team are proof the country’s future is in safe hands.”
View 4 ImagesActors and Pride of Scotland Awards hosts Sanjeev Kohli and Elaine C Smith(Image: Daily Record )
From acts of kindness and selfless bravery to raising millions for charity, the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises will salute the nation’s unsung heroes.
A host of stars from the worlds of TV, film, music, sport and politics will descend on The Hilton Glasgow tomorrow night to honour the winners.
Rab C Nesbitt legend Elaine agrees with Sanjeev about it being one of the most uplifting nights of the year and an antidote to what is going on in the world right now.
The gran of two, who will be appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time in 26 years in dark comedy written by Eilidh Loan, said: “Pride of Scotland brings the light in dark times.
“Many of the winners have experienced tragedy but instead of focusing on their own misfortune they have used their experiences to do so much good for others.
“At a time where the world is in chaos and conflict Scotland’s unsung heroes bring hope and show that there can be light at the end of the tunnel.”
Elaine, 66, who is heading to the Glasgow Hydro in September for the Two Doors Down live shows, also says she has too many top moments to name.
The panto queen, who is heading back to the Glasgow King’s Theatre this year for Aladdin, said: “Like Sanjeev, the Children of Courage always have me greeting but I also have a real admiration for the have-a-go heroes.
“Only in Scotland would you get a have-a-go granny like Roseann Gibson who wrestled a robber armed with a claw hammer to the ground in a Glasgow newsagents or plumber Stuart Miller who jumped in and rescued a woman stuck in the middle of a river during a storm.
“My life is always busy but it’s nice to pause and celebrate this wonderful country and its wonderful people.”
Elaine, who is delighted hit BBC comedy Two Doors Down will be making a return to our screens, added: “The awards are very highly regarded and respected – you just have to look at the huge stars who turn out to support the winners.
“I will never forget the year I spotted Lulu in the audience and started belting out the first few notes of Shout as a gag. Next thing I knew she was on stage singing her hit and getting everyone to join in. What a night!”
The 11 fabulous winners will be announced in tomorrow’s (Mon) Daily Record.
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You can catch all the red carpet action on the Pride of Scotland Facebook and Instagram pages, and on the Pride of Britain YouTube channel from 5.30pm tomorrow night – www.facebook.com/prideofscotland.org
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