The achievements of young people across 14 different categories were celebrated at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel where guests, including VIPs Matt Cardle, Twin Atlantic and the Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell, along with favourites from Waterloo Road, Hollyoaks, River City, Emmerdale and The Apprentice were left in awe of the finalists.

Argyll and Bute once again had success on the night with Lochgilphead Climate Change Group winning the Environment category, sponsored by Scottish Gas.

The six-strong group took part in a Scottish Government consultation on the Low Carbon Scotland-Public Engagement Strategy and the implications for individuals, communities and businesses.

Heather Unkles, Madeline Ward, Georgia Hepburn, Carla Jackson, Sarah Nicolson and Rebecca Jamieson consulted with primary and secondary pupils at Lochgilphead Joint Campus, visited local businesses and interviewed professionals before producing a film of their findings which they presented to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, community planning groups and their school.

Sarah Nicolson, 15, said: “We are hoping to go round other schools in the area, spreading the word about climate change and encouraging others to examine their carbon footprint.”

Michael Breslin, Lead Councillor for Education and Lifelong Learning at Argyll and Bute Council added “The Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards are a spectacular event offering the opportunity to reflect on everyday stories that truly depict our nation’s young people. I’m particularly proud of the achievements of such talented and inspirational young people in Argyll and Bute who have put so much effort into the project. They are an inspiration to their peers and they really deserve to win this award.

“The council’s youth services team has worked closely with the young people on this project, and they too should be proud of what they have helped these young people achieve.”

Louise MacDonald from Oban and Kirsty Cairns from Campbeltown also made it through to the finals and attended the bohemian-styled, music festival-themed ceremony along with over 800 guests to be entertained by performances from X Factor winner Matt Cardle and the best in new Scottish talent, Twin Atlantic.  But of course nothing could outshine the real stars of the night – the young finalists. 

Videos of all the category finalists are available to watch, share and discuss on the Young Scot YouTube channel