Brave@Heart Awards 2023
BRAVERY AWARDS
Last night (Tuesday the 3rd of October 2023), representatives of the Taylor and Hunt families attended the First Ministers Brave@Heart Awards in the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle. The event is held annually to recognise acts of bravery and heroism across Scotland, with nominations made by the emergency services, and winners selected by an independent validation panel.
There were 24 members of the Emergency Services and public to receive awards this year. For the first time two awards were made posthumously, to Constable George Taylor and Detective Sergeant Ross Hunt.
David & Paul Taylor, sons of George Taylor and Adrian and Ross Hunt, son and grandson of Ross Hunt, received the awards personally from the First Minister, Humza Yousaf, on behalf of George, Ross and their and families.
The First Minister specifically mentioned both cases, saying:
“I was particularly honoured to present posthumous Brave@Heart Awards to the families of Constable Taylor and Detective Sergeant Hunt.
“These officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect other people and, tragically, they paid with their lives.
“They are true heroes whose bravery and sacrifice has been overlooked for far too long. I also commend the courage and determination of the families and colleagues who have campaigned over the years for the officers’ heroism to be properly recognised.”
David Garbutt (former Grampian police officer and Commandant at the Scottish Police College) who chaired the Independent Validation Panel said:
“It has been a privilege and an honour to chair the panel considering the nominations for these awards, recognising the fantastic achievements of people throughout Scotland who have shown courage and selflessness in helping others and keeping our communities safe.”
Mr Yousaf met with the families after the event and showed an in-depth knowledge of both cases and the campaign. He has pledged his full support to our campaign and has written to the Prime Minister highlighting his support and seeking a review of both cases.
Special thanks go to our local Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Dolan, who agreed, on behalf of the campaign, to submit applications for both officers earlier this year. Without his support this would not have been possible.
