14 Aug Love Island’s Iain Stirling praises Young Scot for helping with his big break
Ahead of hosting this year’s Sunday Mail and Steven Brown Art Young Scot Awards, the reality TV star shares how funding from Young Scot and the Scottish Arts Council turned his comedy dreams into reality.
Love Island has turned the hit show’s narrator Iain Stirling into a household name and he has revealed he’d be nowhere if it wasn’t for the support of Young Scot.
The 30-year-old comedian is still grateful that the national youth group funded his first show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Iain said hosting this year’s Sunday Mail and Steven Brown Art Young Scot Awards is his way of giving something back to the organisation.
He said: “I was genuinely flattered to be asked to host the awards as it gives me the chance to highlight the incredible work they do for young people across Scotland. I’m living proof that anything is possible if someone takes a chance on you when you are starting out.
“In 2006, my friend and I wrote a sketch show called Just so Ever Slightly Squared. I was 18 and we didn’t have enough money to put it on. We applied to Young Scot and the Scottish Arts Council for funds and they came good.
“The show got a three-star review and cost £4 for a ticket. We just about broke even but it was lots of fun and made me even more determined to pursue a career in comedy.
“If Young Scot hadn’t come forward with funding, I might have continued flying under the radar without getting a break so I owe them a lot.”
The comic – who is dating I’m A Celebrity presenter Laura Whitmore – will host the award show in Glasgow’s SEC on November 30 to celebrate the achievements of inspirational young people.
Iain said: “I’m a sucker for a sob story and know the waterworks are going to start when I hear some of the finalists’ stories and what they have overcome.”
He will be in Scotland later this month to present three nights of Iain (Stirling) Does Jokes (With Pals) at the Edinburgh Fringe.
His first book - Not Ready to Adult Yet - is out next month.
The categories
Young Hero
Sponsored by Co-op Food
This is for a young person or group who deserves special recognition for their bravery. Do you know a young person who has shown incredible bravery, battled the odds or demonstrated amazing perseverance?
Community
Sponsored by the Scottish Government
This celebrates work by a young person or group that improves the lives of others in a community. Nominees may have demonstrated citizenship or leadership by influencing decision-making, participated in community action, or made a difference through volunteering.
Volunteering
Young volunteers selflessly donate their time and energy to help other people. These young people make a huge difference driving positive change through volunteering. Do you know a young person who deserves recognition for their selfless contribution?
Unsung Hero
Sponsored by Solace Scotland
Do you know a young Scot or group who go the extra mile but never ask for recognition or reward? Do you owe someone thanks for their help and support? Someone who has overcome difficult personal circumstances or risen to a challenge?
Year of Young People 2018: Champion of the Year
Sponsored by Steven Brown Art
We’d like you to nominate a young person, or a group of young people, who has been working tireless to promote the Year of Young People or who truly embodies the spirit of the initiative through their actions.
Excellence in Education
Sponsored by University of St Andrews
Do you know a young person who has overcome adversity or disadvantage to excel at school, college or university? They may have overcome ill health, dealt with being in care, been a carer or shown real dedication.
Enhancing Education
Sponsored by Skills Development Scotland
This is for a young person or group who have truly influenced education in their community either by providing access and opportunities for others, or by influencing change in education.
Sporting
Sponsored by sportscotland
Right across Scotland, young people are achieving extraordinary things in grassroots sport. We want to hear about teams, individuals, coaches, volunteers and anyone else who is inspiring others or who is set to be the next Scottish sporting star.
Health and Wellbeing
Sponsored by Active Scotland
Young people support and inspire others to improve their physical and mental health. They might provide support in their communities, aim to change services, work in healthcare or be involved with healthcare charities.
Equality and Diversity
Sponsored by Standard Life Aberdeen
We want to honor a young person, or group of young people working to promote equality, diversity and inclusion or to challenge prejudice and discrimination. They’ll have helped to encourage respect across ages, races faiths, genders and cultures.
The Arts
Sponsored by Creative Scotland
This is your opportunity to celebrate a young person’s, or a group of young people’s, contribution to arts and culture. Are they inspiring others to express themselves through arts or helping their community by sharing their time in a creative way?
Entertainment
Sponsored by Scottish Citylink
For those who entertain us every day. They might be fresh talent ready to explode on to the scene. They could be a vlogger, presenter, musician, comic or shadow puppeteer.
Environment
Sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland
Do you know any young people who give their time to help protect the world for future generations? It could be related to recycling, global sustainability or ecology. We want to hear about those who are passionate about environmental issues.
Enterprise
Sponsored by HSBC
Do you know a young person or business run by young people who have demonstrated entrepreneurial flair? Have they harnessed their passion to help economic growth and sustainability in their local community or started their enterprise from their bedroom?
Nominations for our young people’s Oscars close at midnight on Sunday, August 12.
We’ve had a record number of entries this year in all 14 categories. Nominate at www.youngscotawards.com
Winners will be announced on St Andrew’s Day, November 30, at one of the biggest Year Of Young People events in 2018.
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