Moray & Banffshire Heroes salutes extraordinary people doing extraordinary things
The very best of the region’s unsung heroes have been recognised at a celebration in Banff.
More than 260 people were at the Banff Springs Hotel last night for the annual Moray & Banffshire Heroes event - a special occasion staged by Highland News and Media to recognise those among us who may not otherwise receive such recognition.
• Moray & Banffshire Heroes are crowned in Banff
It was an emotional evening of tears, laughter, entertainment, fabulous food and drink, and great camaraderie as more than a dozen awards were handed out.
Community champion HM Coastguard volunteer Graeme Gordon claim a glorious hat-trick of awards - collecting accolades for his work for the emergency services and as a volunteer before being crowned overall hero of heroes.
He is the station officer at Burghead where he has been a volunteer for more than 40 years. He’s also volunteered for the Red Cross.
The stalwart's efforts are amazing and so are those of all the other winners, which included outstanding young people such as Carly-Rae Gilbert - a primary 2 pupil, who attends Bishopmill Primary School, and had her life turned upside down just days before her sixth birthday when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
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 some 8500 people engaged in the process by having a say.
The amazing response was matched by the awesome individuals and organisations making each shortlist.
Entertainment for the evening included a welcome piper, Spider-Man and a Westlife tribute act WestLive who gave their renditions of Uptown Girl and When You’re Looking Like That.
Keep an eye on our website this weekend for more on the awards.
