LAST week we announced The Sunday Post had teamed up with charity Nordoff Robbins to launch the Scottish Sporting Awards.

We’re aiming to recognise the country’s most inspirational figures.

On Friday, March 10, our nominated sporting heroes will gather at a star-studded bash at the glitzy Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh.

Click here to make a nomination for Coach of the Year and Team of the Year Awards

That includes the up-and-coming stars who have impressed over the past year.

We’re proud to reveal the four nominees for the Sporting Breakthrough Award.

These are the young stars our Awards Panel have judged to have experienced a fantastic year – with the potential to scale the heights of sporting achievement in the years ahead.

Katie Archibald

Great Britain is a cycling powerhouse thanks to athletes like Katie Archibald.

But she might have made her mark in the swimming pool instead.

Katie was a competitive swimmer up until the age of 17 when she made the decision to switch to the cycling track.

It was a choice that paid off, as only five years later Katie was competing at Rio 2016.

A remarkable rise to success saw her win bronze at Glasgow 2014 then a gold in the team pursuit at the Olympics.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, of course, and one that I cherish,” Katie, 22, told The Sunday Post last week. “It was the best form I’ve ever been in, and I was in the best shape.

“I won’t be able to make the awards as I’ll be competing in Spain that weekend, but it’s a privilege to be nominated.

“It’s interesting to hear about Scottish sport and the stories of my fellow nominees.”

Blair Kinghorn

It’s players like Blair Kinghorn we hope can propel Scotland to the next level in international rugby.

Big things are expected of him following star performances for Edinburgh over the past season.

While Blair, who comes from the capital, is not included in the squad for this year’s Six Nations, the man who’s just turned 20 has been tipped for a future starring role for Scotland.

But at 6ft 5in he’s already a giant of the game.

“I took a bit of a sprout in my teens, my mates would call me lanky and take the mickey,” he said.

“But having a bit of height has helped me out in the end.

“I’m keeping focused on playing well for Edinburgh but in the back of my head I’d like to one day go on to represent my country.

“The Sporting Awards will be a brilliant night and it’s a fantastic honour to be nominated alongside some great names.”

Caroline Weir

SHE’S one of Scotland’s most promising stars in the nation’s favourite sport.

Last year, highly-rated footballer Caroline Weir signed as a professional for Liverpool Ladies after spells at Hibs and Arsenal.

Despite being only 21, the Dunfermline-born midfielder has gone on to shine for the Reds, scoring their goal of the season and being voted player of the year by fans.

“I’ve really enjoyed it here, I felt welcome at Liverpool from day one and enjoyed life both on and off the pitch,” said Caroline. “Winning the player of the year award was a huge honour and I didn’t expect it.

“Scotland has many talented sportspeople so it’s an absolute honour to be included.

“It should be a great evening to celebrate the many sporting success stories in Scotland.”

Duncan Scott

NOT many 19-year-olds could travel halfway across the world to Brazil to compete with the most elite athletes.

But swimmer Duncan Scott managed to do it and bagged two silver medals in Rio.

He was part of the men’s 4x200m freestyle team as well as the 4x100m medley relay quartet that claimed Britain’s final medal in the pool.

Duncan, from Glasgow, also achieved a fifth place finish in the men’s 100m freestyle and set a new British record in the process.

And he was delighted to hear he’d been nominated for the Breakthrough Award.

“It’s massive for swimming to be involved in the nominations alongside people like Blair, Caroline and Katie,” said Duncan. “All the other nominees are top-end in their sports.

“I’m looking forward to being there.”