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Broadcaster Hazel Irvine given Bafta Scotland lifetime honour

PA Media Hazel Irvine is pictured in a burgundy suit jacket with a white top underneath. She is smiling and the background is dark and blurred. PA Media
Hazel Irvine started working in sports broadcasting in 1987

Sports broadcaster Hazel Irvine will be presented with a Bafta Scotland lifetime achievement award next month.

Irvine, who is known for fronting BBC coverage of the olympics and snooker championships, will receive the award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting.

After beginning her career at STV's Scotsport in 1987, she has amassed TV sporting credits including the World Cup, London Marathon, Ski Sunday, BBC Grandstand and Wimbledon.

Bafta Scotland said Irvine has been a trailblazer for women in sports journalism for over 30 years.

Since 2006 she has also guided UK viewers through Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.

An estimated 28 million people listened to her commentary during the London Olympics in 2012.

She said: “I feel overwhelmed and honoured to join the list of Scottish actors, presenters, writers, directors, producers and Doctor Whos who have received this award over the last two decades.

"I have admired and looked up to these individuals for much of my life.

"Thank you to Bafta Scotland for such an amazing and unexpected honour.”

Hazel Irvine smiles as she holds skis in front of of an alpine background with snow-covered trees and the side of a mountain. She wears a pink ski jacket.
Hazel Irvine has presented from many olympics, including the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City

Another special award recipient is casting director Des Hamilton, best known for his work on TV crime drama Top Boy.

He will be presented with the Bafta Scotland Award for Outstanding Contribution to Craft.

Hamilton has over 20 years of experience in film and television, and is known within the industry for his street-casting methods.

He said he was flattered to receive the award, adding: "It's not natural for me to think about stuff like this."

In August, Bafta Scotland also presented an award for Outstanding Contribution to Film to producer, writer and film festival director Lynda Myles, at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

The Bafta Scotland Awards 2024 will be held on Sunday 17 November in Glasgow.