ARDROSSAN football star Billy Gilmour has been named among the finalists for this year’s Young Scot Awards.

The 18-year-old from North Ayrshire has burst into worldwide stardom in 2020 for a string of dazzling performances for English Premier League giants Chelsea.

The Blues starlet has dominated star names such as Liverpool’s Fabinho and Everton’s Andre Gomes at the beating heart of the Stamford Bridge side’s midfield.

Boss Frank Lampard promoted the Scotland U21 international into the first team earlier this season, with his talents showing skills way beyond his years.

His FA Cup debut against Liverpool earned him his first man of the match award before days later in the EPL he produced another MOTM performance against Evertons.

The Ardrossan lad has even earned praise from former Manchester United ace Roy Keane – which is no mean feat!

The hardy Irishman hailed the ex-Rangers kid as a ‘world class’ talent and expressed his excitement to continue watching his development.

But now, young Billy has been revealed as a contender for the Young Scot Awards 2020.

He has been shortlisted in the sport category along with Para-canoeist Hope Gordon and famous Scots swimmer Duncan Scott.

Louise MacDonald OBE, chief executive of Young Scot, said: “We’ve heard so many inspiring stories about incredible young people across Scotland doing outstanding things for their communities.

“Billy Gilmour from North Ayrshire has gone above and beyond.”

The red-carpet ceremony will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on September 7.

It will be hosted by Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney.

  *********************

Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We’re not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, and the vital local news service we’ve provided since 1853, is under threat.

Please consider supporting the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald in whatever way you can – by paying just 90p for a copy of the paper, when you’re shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.  

Thanks – and stay safe.