Seetattoo
people’s efforts. I’m delighted to have them here as my guests of honour.”
Nicola and husband Peter Murrell welcomed our winners Johnnie Meechan, Lee Falconer, Laura McArthur, Deborah Burns, Mary Buchan, PC David Dinnen, Liam Thomson and Sophia Scott to an exclusive reception at Bute House before they were taken to the Tattoo to sit alongside them in the Royal Gallery.
Johnnie, crowned our Fundraising and Overall Hero after setting up a charity to help others despite coping with a terminal cancer diagnosis, said: “It’s been a fantastic experience and one I will never forget.”
Our Senior Hero Mary, who used an iron bar to see off an armed robber at the Glasgow bookies where she works, said: “We have been treated like royalty.”
Emergency Hero David Dinnen put his own life at risk when he tackled a man with meat cleavers outside a school.
He said: “Nicola was generous with her time and went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable day.”
Little Hero Sophia Scott, the only youngster in Scotland with Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare and incurable genetic illness known as childhood Alzheimer’s that means she may not live beyond her early teenage years, proudly showed Nicola her new outfit for the day.
Dad Darren said: “She is over the moon and was happy when Nicola complimented her pretty dress. She chose it specially.”
Laura MacArthur, who was crowned our Caring Hero after losing two daughters to undetected heart conditions, said: “Nicola was lovely and she asked how I was coping after losing Jodie and Taylor. She also complimented my shoes, which was really nice. We both love heels and we were able to have a little laugh too.”
Forces Hero Deborah Burns, Community Hero Lee Falconer and Little Hero Liam Thomson were all thrilled with the hospitality shown by the First Minister.
Deborah said: “She’s a busy lady but cares enough to arrange a special day like this for us. It says a lot about her and I can’t thank her enough for taking the time to do this.”
Liam said: “I loved seeing inside Bute House and the Tattoo was great fun, especially the fireworks at the end.
Lee added: “It’s been the best day ever – I can’t wait to tell all my pals.”