Now in their fourth year, the Edinburgh Local Hero Awards celebrate the amazing people who make our city such a wonderful place. This year’s ceremony took place on Thursday 9th December at the Sheraton Grand Hotel. We were delighted to be sponsoring the Carer of the Year award; an award that recognises someone who has made personal sacrifices in order to tend to the needs of others.
On the night, members of our Personal Law team donned their glad rags and packed their tissues (and face masks) to attend the ceremony. We were greeted with a glitzy drinks reception before bagpipes led us into dinner. Dinner was followed by entertainment from Showcase (also nominated in the Fundraiser of the Year category) and then, finally, the awards themselves.
The atmosphere buzzed with the excitement of the nominees, their guests and the sponsors all eager to find out the overall winners. During the ceremony, our host, Arlene Stuart, gave us just a small insight into the amazing bravery, selflessness and hard work of some local Edinburgh residents. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
We found ourselves sharing a table with nominees for the Neighbour of the Year award and the Sustainable School Award. We were delighted when Angela Lennie was announced as winner in her category for supporting her neighbour through an extremely difficult time when their daughter took unwell. Despite managing her own disability, Angela selflessly gave her support day and night.
Then finally, it was our turn and Lindsay Maclean took to the stage to present the award for Carer of the Year. Like the previous categories, all three nominees had amazing stories to tell. It was difficult to know how the judges had been able to come to a decision at all, but they had. All that stood between the winner and their award was the very last gold envelope … And the winner is … Alison Morrison! Alison is a genuinely deserving winner. Not only does she care for her in-laws, her daughter and her own mother, but she also works full time as a community carer and volunteers in her local area.
It was a truly humbling and inspirational evening. Our congratulations go to every one of the nominees for their incredible achievements.