Nominations are invited for the Young Scot Awards 2008 by 8 February.

Now in their third year, the Young Scot Awards are not about fame or fortune, but are a chance for us all to show that the young people of Scotland are achieving great things and making a difference to their communities and country. There are 13 categories ranging from volunteering to enterprise and environment to community, with the judges selecting one particularly inspirational young person who will be crowned “Young Scot of the Year 2008”.
Last year’s overall winner was Kelly Ross from Dumfries, who also won the Unsung category for her tireless work with disadvantaged young people and her many hours spent supporting those in her community. Awards were also presented to Gary McLelland for his volunteering work in Africa, Ross Miller for his work as a volunteer Palace Guide in Linlithgow, David Skea who runs a shellfish diving business, Kristen Neilson who works to break down cultural barriers in Glasgow, and the Edinburgh Powerpod Project Group who continue to raise awareness of renewable energy sources and many more.

The Awards are also a great way of gaining positive media coverage of young people and help us to actively challenge the negative portrayal of young people often perpetuated by the Scottish media. A great deal of press coverage is traditionally gained not only in the Sunday Mail, who include weekly features in the run up to the event, but also in various local papers and trade press. It can also lead to great media coverage for local authorities, schools and youth groups.

We will be celebrating the achievements of Scotland’s young people at the glittering awards ceremony in Glasgow City Halls on 20th March. The shortlisted candidates will attend the red carpet event where they will be treated to a three-course sit down dinner and an evening of entertainment. Last year’s ceremony featured a live Samba band and dancers, a special performance by ex-Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon and was attended by celebrities including Hollyoaks’ Gemma Atkinson, the X-Factor’s Nikita and the cast of hit soap River City. This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better.

So if you know of, or work with, a young person whose achievements deserve to be recognised, please log on to www.youngscotawards.co.uk and nominate now! The closing date for nominations is the 8th February but please don’t delay!

We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Sunday Mail, Lloyds TSB Scotland, Scottish Government, NHS Health Scotland, Careers Scotland, Scottish Gas, Historic Scotland, ACPOS and the University Of Strathclyde Business School whose support makes the Awards possible.

For more information on any aspect of the Awards please contact Laura Straker at Young Scot on 0131 313 2488 or email lauras@youngscot.org