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UK: Iraqi Kurd asylum seeker is Young Scot
of Year
14.2.2006
By MARTYN McLAUGHLIN |
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It has not been easy for
Brzoom Kadirglam to forge a new life from the debris
of his old one.
When he arrived in Glasgow in the autumn of 2000, he
knew only a few words of English. Given a set of
keys to a high-rise flat in Castlemilk, he was left
– alone, confused and frustrated.
Now, however, the 29-year-old has found himself
standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of
Scotland's most influential figures, including Tam
Dalyell, Professor Tom Devine, and Sir Fred Goodwin.
An Iraqi Kurd asylum seeker, he became the
first-ever winner of the Arnold Kemp Award for Young
Scot of the Year. Set up in memory of the former
editor of The Herald, its aim is to celebrate
socially-inclusive and enlightened young Scots.
A trained lawyer, Mr Kadirglam has devoted the last
five years to voluntary work, helping newly arrived
asylum seekers in his adopted city. The Home Office
has yet to decide whether he can stay in this
country.
Aware of his asylum status, organisers said the
tireless work of Mr Kadirglam, who lives in Gorbals,
made him an unusual yet inspirational choice for the
award.
His honour came as part of the Academy of Merit
awards, set up by the Institute of Contemporary
Scotland which seeks to acknowledge and celebrate
significant individual achievements.
Others winners include: Tam Dalyell (Kenneth
Alexander Award for public service)
Dr Alison Elliot (James A Whyte Award for services
to religion)
James Morrison (Tom Wright Award for services to the
arts)
Professor Tom Devine (John Aitkenhead Award for
services to education)
Sir Fred Goodwin (George Younger Award for services
to business and economics)
David Hayman (Alastair Hetherington Award for
humanitarian service).
www.theherald.co.uk
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