SCOTLAND AWARDS HOST

SALLY MAGNUSSON MBE
TV presenter and news anchor

Sally Magnusson is a broadcaster and author who has presented a wide range of programmes for the BBC from current affairs and politics to news and religion. She was one of the main presenters of the long-running religious television programme Songs of Praise and also hosted Daily Politics, reported for Panorama and presented Tracing Your Roots on Radio 4. Sally currently anchors the daily news programme Reporting Scotland and is the author of several books. Her bestselling memoir about her mother, Where Memories Go: Why Dementia Changes Everything, has been credited with improving knowledge and understanding of this widespread brain condition. 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

JACO VAN GASS OBE
Four-time Paralympic gold medallist

Jaco van Gass is a four-time Paralympic gold medallist and British Armed Forces Veteran. Jaco was serving his second tour of Afghanistan in 2009, when he lost his left arm at the elbow by an RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade). He underwent 11 surgeries and intense rehabilitation. Incredibly, he survived. Across his career, Jaco has won multiple National Championships on the road. Most notably, he took home two Gold medals, one Bronze medal and set three World Records at the Tokyo 2020 Games, and won a further two Gold medals at the Paris 2024 games. He now inspires the world by sharing the highs and lows of his extraordinary journey, helping others to embrace change, overcome adversity, and achieve their goals.

ENTERTAINMENT

LAURA WRIGHT
The Sporting Soprano & Classical Singer

Laura is one of the UK’s leading classical singers and a regular presenter on BBC’s Songs of Praise. She became one of the biggest selling classical artists after winning BBC Chorister of the Year 2005 at the age of just 15. Laura was part of the female vocal quartet All Angels, who released the fastest selling classical album of all time. In 2011, she struck out on her own and her debut solo album, The Last Rose, topped the Classical Charts for several weeks, selling over 2.5 million copies. Laura has been the official anthem singer for England Rugby, British Grand Prix and the FA Cup Final, and she wrote and performed for the late Queen Elizabeth II on numerous occasions.

SCOTLAND KEYNOTE

GRAEME DEY MSP
Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans

Graeme Dey attended Harlaw Academy in Aberdeen before embarking on a career in journalism, living in Dundee and Angus. He was elected to the Scottish Parliament for Angus South in 2011 and has been Convener of the Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, and Depute Convenor of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee. Born and raised in Aberdeen, Graeme is married with two grown up children. In 2018, Graeme was appointed as the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans in the Scottish Government.

CHARITY

“The Forces in Business Awards highlight the absolute best that the partnership of Armed Forces community and business offer. Those nominated for the Awards have made a successful transition from the Armed Forces and act as role models for others, and therefore deserve our praise. And because it’s a partnership, I also commend the forces friendly employers on the shortlist because these businesses see the potential and opportunities offered by reservists and veterans. SSAFA is a trusted source of support for when the Forces family needs help, and we’re extremely proud to be the official charity partner of these Awards.”

Air Marshal Steve Shell (Retd), CEO of SSAFA, official charity partner of the Awards