The prestigious Proud Scotland Awards are coming to Edinburgh for the first time

From today, the public can nominate individuals or groups and this year a total of 20 prestigious awards will be up for grabs at a glittering ceremony in the heart of the Capital.

From those nominations, an independent judging panel will decide which of the nominees will be recognised for the fantastic work they do at the Awards Ceremony which will be hosted by a yet to be named venue in Edinburgh on Saturday 6 June 2020.

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.

Peter Ferguson Proud Scotland Awards Director says, "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."

Last year's event at the Hilton Glasgow saw awards presented to Alan Gemmell OBE, Janey Godley, Professor Maggie Kinloch and Dr Michael Farquhar.

The Proud Scotland Awards were created with the sole aim of ensuring that LGBT+ individuals, straight allies and companies that have supported equal rights 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 adds, "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 comments, “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.”

To make nominations in each of the award categories go to http://www.proudscotlandawards.com