On the 15th of May 2015, in the lush interiors of the George Hotel in Edinburgh, the outstanding Poles who live and work in Scotland received awards for their contributions into the life of the Polish diaspora. A special guest of the evening was Aleksander Doba – the Adventurer of the Year 2015 according to National Geographic readers, the first man who crossed the Atlantic Ocean alone in a kayak, entirely under his own steam. Performing at the ceremony was a duo of young Polish musicians, Jacob Zaborski and Piotr Szumlas, the winners of the Polish edition of “Must be the Music” contest.
This year, the nominees could receive awards in four categories: “Culture,” “Business,” “Personality” and “Young Pole.” Apart from the main prizes, the Scottish committee has also awarded four distinctions. Additionally, for the first time this year, non-Poles who actively support the Polish community in Scotland also received awards. Last but not least, the Internet users could cast their votes via a poll on the Pangea Magazine website.
The “Culture” award went to Ms. Zofia Wierzbowicz-Fraser, the director of Inverness Polish Association. Thanks to her devotion to promoting Polish culture and her support for the local immigrants, Polish culture and language strive even in a remote, northern part of Scotland.
The “Business” distinction was awarded to Ms. Agnieszka Ford, leader of the eminent Business Centre in Edinburgh. Mr. Tomek Borkowy, an actor famous in Poland for his role in “Dom” series, now the art director at Universal Arts in Scotland, earned himself a distinction here.
Dr. Maria Musur- Grieve, an ex-editor of the EBI – Edinburgh News Bulletin – and a member of the Polish-Scottish Cultural Association, actively engaged in the life of the Polish diaspora for dozens of years, was named the “Personality” of the year. Honourable mentions in this category went to Dr. Izabela Czekaj, the chairperson of the Polish Social & Educational Society in Glasgow, and Mr. Marek Straczyński, the chairperson of the Ex-Servicemen Club in Edinburgh.
The title of a “Young Pole of the Year” was awarded to Diana Nowak-Zygadło, a co-founder of the Polish Family Support Centre in the UK, who tirelessly helps Polish families in need. Mateusz Jarża, a painter and an organizer of high-ranking cultural events, including Play Poland Film Festival, won the hearts of the Internet users. He also received an honourable mention by the Committee for his contribution to culture.
For the first time in history, special distinctions were also awarded to the Scottish friends of the Polish community abroad: Dr. Colin Kingsley was honoured for promoting Polish culture, and Aileen Orr and Simon Daley for promoting Polish heritage.
Author: Dorota Peszkowska
Photo © Marcin Rozbrój
