Young people from across Scotland have been announced as the winners of the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards 2021 for their outstanding contributions to the nation and their communities.  

Thousands of guests tuned into the virtual ceremony, with TV presenter Jean Johansson hosting, alongside appearances from Tom Grennan and Alesha Dixon.

The ‘Young Scot of the Year 2021’ Award was presented by Elma Murray Wallace, Chair of Young Scot Board to Jack and Alfie from Dumbarton. The boys teamed up during the first lockdown to sing outside local care homes to cheer up residents who were not able to see their families. They also created hampers full of goodies and delivered them to frontline workers.

This year’s winners are:  

Young Scot of the Year, and Unsung Heroe – sponsored by Solace Scotland.

Jack, 14 and Alfie, 12, Dumbarton, teamed up to sing outside local care homes to cheer up residents who were not able to see their families during lockdown.

Young Hero

Brynn Hauxwell, 15, Yell, Shetland, completed a gruelling charity challenge and pushed himself in his wheelchair nearly 1,700 miles.

Enhancing Education – sponsored by Skills Development Scotland

 Yehya Al Deiri, 21, Kilbirnie, has been volunteering with the Connected Communities team as a Community Interpreter.

Arts

Art Boss Young Producers, 15-18, Renfrewshire, have been producing content, media and events that promote positive well-being to other young people.

Sport – sponsored by sportscotland

Kayleigh Haggo, 22, Maybole, has cerebral palsy and is a GB para-athlete gold medalist.

Community – sponsored by The Scottish Government

Freya Young 23, Eaglesham, created a street library containing more than 1,000 donated books, DVDs, CDs, board games and jigsaws for people in her community.

Entertainment

Ellie Diamond, 22, Dundee, and Lawrence Chaney, 23, Helensburgh, were the first Scottish people to appear on Ru Paul’s Drag Race - which Lawrence won.

Health & Wellbeing

Callum Christie and Logan Fenton, both 15, Cupar, Fife, raised £3,000 to buy a full-time therapy dog to help vulnerable young people at Bell Baxter High School.

Enterprise – sponsored by In Your Area

Lauren James, 18, Livingston, was diagnosed with anorexia two years ago and has turned her life around and set up her own jewellery business.

Equality & Diversity

Active Life Club, 11-23, Govanhill, are helping to tackle racism through sport.

International – sponsored by British Council Scotland

Mashal Aamir, 25, Glasgow has been acting as a mentor that assists incoming international students studying in the UK.

Volunteering

Young Covid Volunteers at NHS Lothian gave over 17,000 hours of their time during the most demanding circumstances.

Environment

Ullapool Sea Savers, 11-16, Highlands, have been campaigning for the sea and environment, whilst trying to educate others.

“This year’s online ceremony was a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s young people, who have done so much to continue to inspire, support and motivate those around them despite the challenges of the past year.” Louise Macdonald OBE, Chief Executive, Young Scot

“It was an absolute honour to host this year’s Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards. I was inspired by listening to the winners’ stories and their commitment to helping others in their community during the pandemic is truly remarkable. Congratulations to our winners and finalists!” Jean Johansson, Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards Host

We’d like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who made the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards such an amazing night for all of our winners and finalists, thank you;

• sportscotland

• Skills Development Scotland

• Solace Scotland

• The Scottish Government

• In Your Area

• British Council Scotland