What an amazing year for Scotland. What a year to shine the spotlight on those who made the biggest impression in the past 12 months. The Courier Impact 100 is back for a fourth year in 2015. Gayle Ritchie checks it out.
It’s been a whirlwind of a year. Whether in the realms of sport, politics, arts, business or health, Scotland and Courier Country has played a major part.
Of course, it’s the big moments that hit the headlines but it’s the people behind them who really matter.
Behind the scenes, there are vital and very often unsung roles being played out on a daily basis.
And that’s what Impact 100 is all about recognising those who have inspired others, helped others or created wealth; who have brought about changes or achieved success, fame or even notoriety.
It’s about the people who touched your heart; people who changed your way of thinking; people who entertained you; people who enraged and infuriated you and the people who inspired you.
This year saw the general election take centre stage in the world of politics.
Locally, we’ve learned of the soaring costs of the V&A and the collapse of major Fife papermaker Tullis Russell and Dundee building company Muirfield Contracts.
And then, of course, there’s been controversy surrounding Police Scotland, which kicked off following the M9 tragedy in which a young couple died.
Foodbanks have hit the headlines especially Tayside and Fife’s while a global issue, the refugee crisis, has been brought close to home in recent months.
There’s been the Ebola outbreak, the tireless campaign for dementia sufferers and the T in the Park controversy, which has rumbled on and on.
It’s been a huge year for the reality TV stars of Courier Country, with talent popping up (and doing exceptionally well) on top shows. More of that next week.
It has been a phenomenal year for sport, with one of the most thrilling and devastating performances from Scotland in the Rugby World Cup. And then, of course, there was the historic Davis Cup win.
There are an abundance of newcomers in the 2015 Impact 100 list almost three-quarters are new faces.
That could be because they have done something special, achieved an amazing feat or changed the way we think about an issue.
And just like last year, we didn’t shy away from controversy; having a big impact isn’t always positive but it affects society in a major way.
Like last year, there were teams, duos, and groups of people who had made a difference in their communities.
Judging was tough and it got tougher as the panel moved towards the top 10. Conversation was heated, opinions were made clear but, ultimately, there was agreement.
As with any influential list, there will be some people who may question or disagree with our decisions but if the list incites healthy debate, so much the better.
Starting on Monday, we will be counting down to this year’s number one and within the pages of five supplements, we will bring you the people we think made 2015 truly amazing one of the entries might even be you.