MSP Alexander Stewart had the pleasure to meet one of Scotland's Young Rising Stars.

The Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative representative rubbed elbows with Mark Flood and the Young Scot Awards team when they visited Holyrood with their bus last week.

Mark had overcome and risen above much hardship after suffering a stroke in 2010 as a teenager.

He lost the ability to move, write and even speak properly. He was also felt temporarily wheelchair-bound.

But a year later, he formed Mark Flood Animations with his artistic peers, before officially establishing the group as a company in 2014 to create films using traditional hand-drawn animations.

His aim was to bring the art form back into the mainstream and used his natural talent and entrepreneurial skills to achieve his goals.

Inspirational Mark won the Young Scot Award for Enterprise in 2015 and was also named as one of the 10 Scotland's Young Rising Stars by the Evening Times in Glasgow.

The MSP said: “His drawing skills were severely damaged by the harm that the stroke caused to his brain and he was told that it could take years for his drawing ability to return.

“Unwilling to give up on his dream and find something else to do with his life, Mark persisted with therapy and practice, making an astonishing full recovery in under two months.

“He has been very open about his health experiences in the hope that it will give people in a similar situation the inspiration, optimism and the encouragement to help them get better.

“His animation company now employs animators who have formerly worked at studios such as Disney, Sullivan Bluth Studios, DreamWorks, and Warner Brothers and I’m delighted to say that his animation has even been screened in the Scottish Parliament.

“Mark is a prominent voice in the campaign for improvement of Scotland's film and animation industry and I am humbled by his sheer determination, abilities and personal resolve.

“His is a clear example of what the Young Scot Awards stands for and I fully support their encouragement, celebration and reward of the inspirational contributions made by thousands of young Scots who have made a real difference to communities across Scotland.

“Since 2006, the Young Scot Awards have been a fantastic success; recognising the amazing achievements of some of Scotland’s truly remarkable young people.

“The awards shine a light on the positive contributions young people make every day and provide a fantastic opportunity to see their efforts and dedication celebrated.

“I fully support any drive which helps young people realise their hidden talent and Young Scot are at the forefront of this fantastic initiative. With this, I wish them all – and Mark – the very best of luck in the future.”