Article Source: Blue Light Awards Scotland
Last Updated: 2 May 2025 11:20
Every siren you hear, every uniform you pass, every unseen hour worked through the night — behind it is an individual, team or organisation who show up without question; our Emergency Services. The Blue Light Awards were created to honour these unsung heroes.
Over 305,000 people work in emergency services across the UK and Ireland. Many put themselves in harm’s way. Many go unrecognised. The Blue Light Awards are a chance to give thanks while these people are still on the job, still showing up, still making a difference.
The Blue Light Awards, a prestigious celebration of the extraordinary individuals who serve in emergency services, are launching in Scotland this year. The Awards will take place on Thursday, 30 October 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow, shining a well-deserved spotlight on those who routinely go above and beyond to keep communities safe.
Hosted by award-winning comedian and Heart Breakfast presenter Des Clarke, the event will bring together frontline professionals from across Scotland for a night of heartfelt recognition and celebration.
Following the incredible impact of the inaugural Northern Ireland event earlier this year, the Blue Light Awards are now launching in Scotland, offering a powerful new platform to recognise and thank frontline emergency services workers. From fire and rescue crews to paramedics, control room staff, mountain rescue teams and police, the Blue Light Awards dedicate the spotlight to the people who quietly carry enormous responsibility in communities across the UK and Ireland.
The Blue Light Awards are founded by Connect Through Service and led by Co-Directors Jason Gillard and Graham Given.
Jason Gillard, Co-Director of the Blue Light Awards, said: “Every emergency services worker has a story, often of quiet heroism and resilience, that deserves to be heard. This event is about putting those stories at the centre and saying thank you in a meaningful way.”
Graham Given, Co-Director, added: “Our Awards are about more than just recognition, it’s about connection. We want the Scotland Blue Light awards to be shaped by the people who see the impact of emergency services every day: teammates, families and the communities they serve.”
Des Clarke, host of the Scottish ceremony, said: “It’s a huge honour to be part of an evening dedicated to celebrating the real heroes in our society. These are the people who step up when it matters most, and I’m proud to help shine a light on their courage and commitment.”
Nominations are now open to the public and emergency service organisations. Entries are carefully reviewed by a highly esteemed independent panel of judges. Some of the categories included are; Blue Light Voluntary Search & Rescue Service of the Year, Bravery & Courage Award, Resilience & Learning From Major Incidents Award, Blue Light Team of the Year, Overcoming Adversity Award, alongside categories for animal trainers, corporate partners, individuals, services and those demonstrating international best practice.
Scotland Charity Air Ambulance and Blue Light Minds are the two charity partners of the event. For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit: www.bluelightsawards.com
The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady is celebrating Burn’s Night in true Scottish style on Friday 23rd January, with a one-night-only themed supper in partnership with The Balvenie.
READ MORE
Healthy, hearty and great value at just £15 per person - Mowgli's new Lite Tiffin launches this January.
READ MORE
One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
READ MORE
In partnership with FÔLD, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is proud to unveil its latest pioneering wellness innovation: reformer pilates delivered to your suite.
READ MORE
When poetry meets plate and tradition meets indulgence, Burns Night 2026 comes alive at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Summerhall Arts presents CATALYST: Art as Activism, a season of four solo exhibitions that position contemporary art as a sustained, embodied form of resistance.
READ MORE
This Burns Night, Dynamic Earth invites you to step into the stars for an evening where tradition meets the galaxy!
READ MORE
Submissions for Global Ink 2026, Edinburgh International Book Festival's flagship international forum for Festival Directors, are now open.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL will bring its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31st January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
One of Scotland's leading chefs will be hosting a collaborative Captain's Table experience onboard Edinburgh's five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, on Wednesday 4th February.
READ MORE
Scotland's National Centre for Music bolsters founding team with new Director of Partnerships.
READ MORE
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
New year, new skills. Edinburgh Open Workshop is kicking off January with a hands-on programme of creative courses designed to help people turn resolutions into reality!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) believe that by vowing to volunteer in 2026, people can make a real difference to their local community!
READ MORE
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
A glamorous, never-before-exhibited portrait of Queen Mary and a miniature sleigh made of rock crystal will be among highlights on show in Scotland for the first time in this major exhibition.
READ MORE
Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations officially began last night as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon kicked off the city's iconic Torchlight Procession.
READ MORE
Two Hibernian Women players have helped bring festive cheer to local families this Christmas, donating Santa Surprise Boxes to a Scottish charity on behalf of baby brand Nuby.
READ MORE
A modern twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city's leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.
READ MORE
Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!
READ MORE
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE