Young Scot Awards finalist shines a bright light on the Western Isles

The achievements of a star of the Western Isles have impressed the nation with Gaelic pioneer and content creator Mark Smith announced in this year’s Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards.

The Shawbost 25-year-old is helping to keep the Gaelic language alive by using modern outlets to reach the younger generation. Through social media, he creates cooking and baking tutorials which are spoken in Gaelic with English subtitles.

Mark’s project started two years ago when he was using Gaelic on his personal account and wanted young people to see it being used daily online. Not a professional chef, Mark’s content is accessible to all, even for those without Gaelic knowledge. He is removing the misconception that young people don’t speak Gaelic and showcasing its use in normal everyday life. He has created a community with thousands of followers who all engage in this form of Gaelic content, furthering its profile and bringing more attention to its value.

Other finalists with members from across Scotland include youth-led Medical Herstory who focus on advancing gender health equity and the LGBT Youth Scotland’s Trans Rights Youth Commission who take action on transgender rights.

Young Scot CEO Kirsten Urquhart said: “The inspiring work of all the finalists is a testament to what the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards are all about – recognising, championing and celebrating the achievements of Scotland’s amazing young people. Congratulations to all of the 2023 finalists.”

All of the finalists impressed the judging panel, including actors Grant Stott and Gayle Telfer Stevens, with their outstanding contributions to their communities. The Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards aims to recognise and inspire extraordinary young people from across the country who are making a real difference to the lives of others.

The winners will be announced on 8 June at the iconic Platform venue in the heart of Glasgow city centre, and it’ll be an event to remember, packed with entertainment, street food, a red carpet reception and, most importantly, the stories of remarkable young people.

Since its launch in 2006, the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards has been Scotland’s only national awards evening for the young people of Scotland which recognise the outstanding achievements of 11 to 26-year-olds and the extraordinary work they do to improve their local communities and the lives of others.

The winners will join a prestigious roll call of previous recipients including RuPaul’s Drag Race champion Lawrence Chaney, comedian Paul Black and social media star, Jamie Genevieve.

Young Scot Awards finalist shines a bright light on the Western Isles

19 May 2023