There I stood, my first time on a red carpet, in Glasgow’s
Hilton Hotel. Lots of men in kilts and ladies looking glamorous in their
evening wear. As all the guests walked through the revolving door, they were
met with Little Eye (the winner of last years unsigned act)’s acoustic performance,
completing the atmosphere. The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception to
give everyone a chance to mingle. As I went upstairs to join the finalists for
a better view from the balcony, Matt Cardle walked past with his guitar! It was only when I looked at the table plan, I
realised how big the event was. There were over 70 tables for over 700 guests
all there to celebrate the young people of Scotland.
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| The Hilton Ballroom set for the guests |
The guests were then called to the festival-themed ballroom.
A music note, an electric guitar or a tepee were glowing in the middle of each
table creating a lovely ambience. The meal began with a tasty cheese and tomato
bruschetta, an Italian-style chicken Kiev was served for the main but I think
the most talked about part of the meal interesting looking dessert. To the side
of the lemon cheesecake was a line of popping candy, candyfloss ice-cream and
hay-like spun sugar. Twitter was full of
pictures of the unique ‘golden ball of sugar’.
For me the best part was the delicious candyfloss ice-cream.
As soon as the plates were cleared host Romeo took to the
stage to start the most important part of the evening, the award ceremony. 19
year old David Stewart from Dalmarnock took the first award for his impressive
work within the community followed by Edward Johnstone, another 19 year old,
from Cranhill for over 600 hours of volunteering. I was surprised to learn in a
fortune cookie that over a third of young people in Scotland volunteer, yet
teenagers are still labelled as lazy, useless and rude. Thankfully not the
lasting impression anyone would have from the inspirational stories.
The award for Unsung Hero created a moment of sadness in the
room, the winner Reamonn Gormley had lost his life through a violent act on
such a kind and caring young man. Every person in the room was on their feet as
his parents collected the award.
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| Twin Atlantic, Fiona and I |
The Truth About Youth
award went to Ullapool team Get To Know Your Techno who voluntarily teach older
people in the community how to use modern technology. Maybe something we should
all do with our older relatives, I know I’m guilty of rolling my eyes when my
mum asks for some advice. I know it’s hard to imagine not growing up with
mobiles and iPads, but even 10 years ago not everybody had a mobile.
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| Nina Nesbitt and I on the night |
The guests were then entertained by Scottish rock band Twin
Atlantic, who I was lucky enough to meet before their incredible performance.
Described as “the best performers at the awards in the last three years” by one
tweeter, they graciously received the first ever Sunday Mail Pathways to Music Award which
was kept secret until the night.
Singer/Songwriter Nina Nesbitt received the Entertainment
award, her independently released EP The Apple Tree got to number 6 on the
iTunes chart soon after release and charted worldwide. In her acceptance speech
she congratulated all the other winners and said she felt “truly inspired” by
their work.
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| Erin McNeill collecting her award |
The Sunday Mail Readers Award and indeed overall Young Scot
of the Year award went to 21 year old Erin McNeill who was horrifically burned
in a house fire just three years ago. She now volunteers with the Fire Service
warning others about the dangers of fire. On the 10th anniversary of
9/11 last year she took part in a 5K run in New York raising £5500. Erin’s
tearful speech left the rest of the guests and I in awe.
Matt Cardle closed the evening with an acoustic performance
of two tracks from his album, including Christmas 2010 number 1 ‘Many of
Horror’ aka ‘When We Collide’.
As the guests began to slowly head towards the waiting “carriage”,
there was a buzz about all the evenings events and I, as a ‘Young Scot, was
left feeling proud to be represented by these amazing people.
Published in the Young Scot Magazine, Sunday Mail on the 13th May 2012
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