It’s that time of the year again - the Proud Scotland awards are back

You can now nominate individuals or groups and this year a total of 20 prestigious awards will be up for grabs on the night.

From those nominations, an independent judging panel will decide which of the nominees will be recognised for the fantastic work they do. There will also be a top honour given out – the outstanding contribution to LGBT+ life. This will go to the person who has excelled and gone the extra mile for LGBT communities in Scotland or internationally.

Last year the top award went to Alan Gemmell OBE and gongs also went to Janey Godley, Professor Maggie Kinloch and Dr Michael Farquhar among a star-studded line-up.

Peter Ferguson Proud Scotland Awards Director said: “As well as producing a memorable evening to celebrate the winners, we understand the importance of creating a meaningful event. We are working hard to recognise those worthy of an award and at the same time help raise funds to support two pride events in Scotland - Pride Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Pride Mardi Gla.”

The Proud Scotland Awards were created with the sole aim of ensuring that LGBT+ individuals, straight allies and companies that have supported equal rights in Scotland are given the opportunity to share their stories and shine.

Money raised at the awards dinner will be used by Pride Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Pride Mardi Gla to support LGBT campaigns in Scotland.

Brett Herriot, Chair of Pride Edinburgh added: “To mark the start of our celebrations Pride Edinburgh will partner with the Proud Scotland Awards 2020.

This event will mark the start of Pride Edinburgh 25: Let It Be events. We are thrilled to be the host city for this year’s awards as we celebrate diversity from across Scotland. I am also personally thrilled that I will take a seat on the judging panel ensuring that Edinburgh has a strong voice. It will be a truly special evening and a memorable start to our 25th Anniversary year.”

Stuart McPhail, Chair of Proud Scotland Awards Judges commented: “I am very proud to have been asked to join as the chair of the judging panel for 2020. I am looking forward to working with the panel to identify the great work and individuals that Scotland has to offer.

“I feel that we are going from strength to strength and maintaining our excellent knowledge of the LGBT+ community while bringing in new opportunities and ideas to the awards this year.

“It is also great to see Glasgow and Edinburgh working together to enhance the LGBT+ community in Scotland”

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony in Edinburgh on Saturday, June 6.

For nominations and award categories go to: http://www.proudscotlandawards.com. Nominations must be made by March 30.