Highland Heroes salutes extraordinary people doing extraordinary things
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The very best of the region’s unsung heroes have been recognised at a celebration in Inverness.
Around 300 people were at the Drumossie Hotel last night for the annual Highland Heroes event – a special occasion staged by Highland News and Media to recognise those among us who may not otherwise receive such recognition.
It was an emotional evening of tears – some joy, some sadness – as well as laughter, entertainment, fabulous food and drink, and great camaraderie as more than a dozen awards were handed out.
Inverness medic Andy Kent was crowned hero of heroes. He also collected the healthcare accolade in recognition of his efforts for medical charity UK-Med in Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
He said the top accolade means more to him than any of his other awards – which says a lot when he earned at OBE in the King’s New Year honours list and also received the Global Citizen Award at the Scottish Health Awards in November last year.
- Surgeon at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness who has worked in Ukraine war zone receives OBE in New Year Honours
- Surgeon Andy Kent is top global citizen at the Scottish Health Awards
His efforts are truly incredible, and so are those of all the other winners, which included outstanding young people such as six-year-old Gracie Andrew, from Invergordon, who despite lifelong health problems that have already seen her undergo multiple surgeries in her short life always takes time to think of others.
One of the most heart-warming moments was when she invited fellow finalists Alfie Ross and Gracey Wemyss on stage to hold the trophy with her – it encapsulated the spirit of what the event was all about.
All three were also given family tickets to this summer's Belladrum music festival.
After being nominated by the public, the finalists were selected by a panel of judges prior to a public vote to choose the winners with more than 16,000 people engaged in the process by having a say.
The amazing response was matched by the awesome individuals and organisations making each shortlist, with Steve Barron, managing director of Highland News and Media, stressing although they may not see themselves as heroes, others do.
And while they may be modest and humble, these are the people that make communities better and stitch society together.
Event host Nicky Marr started the evening by thanking Spud the Piper, who welcomed guests, as well as superheroes Batman (Aiden Wilson) and Scarlet Witch (Chloe Mckinlay-Robertson).
There were stunning performances by Inverness-based TFX dancers and later the TFX choir, showing the area has some really talented young people.
More entertainment came from the Singing Waiters (Paul and Matt), who got the audience on their feet with her renditions of some disco classics by the likes of Bruno Mars and Tina Turner.
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony came when RNLI crewman Stan MacRae, of the charity's North Kessock base, was mentioned.
The 57-year-old, of Inverness, died unexpectedly last month and his funeral was earlier this week. After joining the RNLI in 1997, he was personally involved in the rescues of more than 200 people at sea, including 20 recorded lives saved.
This prompted a spontaneous standing ovation, which was only repeated for overall winner Mr Kent where the audience – and all the heroes among them – showed respect and appreciation in equal measure.
