Shetland singer nominated for top Scot award

Shetland-born singer Astrid Williamson has been nominated for The Johnny Walker Blue Label Great Scot Award 2011 for outstanding services to entertainment.

She attended the gala dinner and award ceremony this week in central London. This year’s other nominees include Scottish names such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Chris Hoy, Billy Connolly, Robbie Coltrane, Andrew Fairlee, Edith Bowman, Tom Kitchin, The Rt Hon Charles Kennedy, Duncan Bannatyne and Ronnie Corbett.

Last year’s winner of this prestigious award, artist Jack Vettriano, was presented with his “bottle” by the inaugural winner Sir Jackie Stewart, who won the prestigious award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Scotland ahead of fellow nominees including author Ian Rankin, singer Sharleen Spiteri, television presenter Kirsty Young and former Scottish rugby player Kenny Logan.

Astrid will be performing in Shetland in July as part of the Tall Ships event, while a new album Pulse will be released later this year.