Nominate unsung stars of your street for hero accolade

David Taylor receives last year's neighbour award from Claire McBlain and show host Scott Hoatson. Picture: Scott Louden

Your unsung hero may work tirelessly behind the scenes without recognition, but now is your chance to change that – by giving them a chance to pick up one of our prestigious Local Hero accolades from 13 different categories.

This year’s Local Hero Awards will take place on Friday, May 27 at the Assembly Rooms on George Street, and will feature an exclusive performance from Alan Longmuir, a founding member of the legendary Bay City Rollers.

Last year, we awarded people from all walks of life and one of those lucky winners was David Taylor, 62, from Livingston.

Mr Taylor, who previously worked with the city council, scooped Neighbour of the Year 2015 after he ran into a burning house to save his elderly neighbour. David said he did not think he had done anything out of the ordinary, but after achieving his Local Hero Award, he realised the extent of his bravery.

He said: “At the time I didn’t even think about what I was doing, it was just an automatic reaction to run in and save him – I just thought anyone else would have done the same thing.

“The awards were great and I would encourage anyone who knows someone that deserves one to nominate them – I was so pleased to receive mine.”

A spokesman for McCarthy and Stone, which is sponsoring Neighbour of the Year 2016, said: “We are very proud to again be sponsoring the Neighbour of the Year Award as part of the Edinburgh Evening News Local Hero Awards.

“Community is at the heart of what we do, and what better representation of this than the strong bond between neighbours. We would like to wish all the nominees the very best of luck.”

At the ceremony, the Evening News will also be looking to name a new 999 hero. This award recognises a member of the emergency services who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.