Texas star Ally McErlaine is named Scot of the year
TEXAS star Ally McErlaine, who fought a life-threatening brain haemorrhage, has been voted Scot of the Year 2011 by a charity for Scots living in London to celebrate Burns Day.
Guitarist McErlaine, 43, was on the shortlist drawn up by ScotsCare in recognition of his remarkable recovery, which included a European tour with Texas and new album with band Red Sky July.
He was closely followed by the Scottish actor Karen Gillan, better known as Amy Pond, Doctor Who’s assistant.
McErlaine said: “I was really surprised to be nominated amongst such great names, and I’m even more surprised to have won.
“It is a great honour, though, to be recognised by a charity that does such great work for Scots in London.
“I love London, and the good thing is that it gives people opportunities. But it is a very expensive city and many people find it a hard environment. ScotsCare helps look after people if they have problems.”
Paisley-born singer Gerry Rafferty, who died last January, was posthumously added to the list in recognition of his lasting musical legacy. He took took third place, while First Minister Alex Salmond came fourth.
Tennis star Andy Murray was also nominated for finishing the year on a high at No 4 in the world. Lynne Ramsey, the film director, was the final nominee for her critically acclaimed film, Let’s Talk about Kevin.
Willie Docherty, ScotsCare chief executive, said: “Every year we ask for your Scot of the Year, and this year in particular I think has highlighted the range and diversity of Scots talent. We have had nominations from politics, sports, music, acting and film- making.
“I think Ally McErlaine is an excellent winner and would make Rabbie proud.”
The charity has been helping Scots in need in London for over 400 years.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Family mourn death of Glasgow ‘fight’ schoolboy
- Rangers takeover: Duff & Phelps threaten legal action against BBC
- Today’s youth not fit to be employed, says car firm Arnold Clark
- Rangers administration: Fans fear Duff & Phelps claims could scare off Green
- Rangers takeover: triple penalty punishment enough, says Johnston
- Alistair Darling leads ‘No to independence’ fight over tea and biscuits
- Scottish independence: SNP flip-flops over Nato
- Scottish Independence: SNP ‘won’t be Yes campaign’s only voice’
- Today’s youth not fit to be employed, says car firm Arnold Clark
- Scottish independence: ‘People here are best qualified to run Scotland’
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Edinburgh
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.