WATERLOO Road actress Shabana Bakhsh, footballer Madjid Bougherra, and human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar are among the nominations for the inaugural Scottish Muslim Awards.

The gala event will be held at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms tomorrow evening. The awards are being organised to highlight the contribution that Muslims make to the country in fields such as business, health, education and the arts.

Guests at the event will be treated to entertainment from US comedian Omar Regan, and the Glaswegian youngster Milad Raza Qadri who is considered to be Europe’s biggest selling nasheed (Islamic music) artist.

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges who include Arifa Farooq – BBC journalist whose Undercover Care documentary hit the headlines last year and prompted an inquiry, Bashir Maan – ex-councillor, president of Glasgow Central Mosque, and Muslim community grandee and Noorah Al-Gailani – Curator of Islamic Civilisations at the Burrell Collection.

Other notable nominees include Oasmaan Babur – part of the victorious U15 Scotland cricket team at the European championships who has been nominated in the Youth category, Milad Raza Qadri – nasheed artist claimed by his label to be Europe’s biggest selling who is shortlisted for the Arts and Entertainment category, and Scottish International cricketer, Majid Haq who is in the running for the sports award.

The event is sponsored by Edinburgh City Council, Lothian & Borders Police, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Muslim Hands.

Commenting, Asif Ahmed, chair of the SIF who are organising the event said:

“There is some tremendous work going on out there and it’s high time there was recognition of that. As well as some of the high profile names, there are many unsung heroes. Showcasing some of these examples will also hopefully inspire young people in what can be done.”

A full list of nominees can be found at www.scottishmuslimawards.org