Glasgow is set to honour one of its most iconic sons, Sir Billy Connolly, with a celebration this September as part of the Glasgow 850 programme.
The Big Yin Weekend, taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, will honour to the legendary Glaswegian comedian, musician, storyteller and artist through a vibrant mix of music, comedy, film and walking and cycling tours.
Sir Billy Connolly, who was awarded the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 2010, has long been regarded as the voice and spirit of the city. His enduring career has brought laughter, insight and pride to generations of Glaswegians, and this celebration of his life and career reflects the deep affection the city holds for him.
The Big Yin Weekend is part of the wider Glasgow 850 programme – a year-long celebration marking the city’s 850th birthday. Led by Glasgow City Council, the programme showcases the people, culture and creativity that make Glasgow a truly unique place to live, work and visit.
Highlights of the weekend include:
The Big Yin Tune-In – A free pop-up musical performance at The Park Bar featuring Gary Innes & Friends and the premiere performance of a new song entitled ‘Big Yin’ by Scottish supergroup Mànran, to celebrate Billy Conolly’s contribution to folk music and commemorate the 60th anniversary of The Humblebums.
‘Big Yin’s Best Of ‘– A comedy showcase presented by Glasgow International Comedy Festival, featuring past winners and nominees of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.
Big Banana Feet screening – A special showing at Glasgow Film Theatre of the fly on the wall documentary following Billy Connolly on his 1975 tour of Ireland, introduced by comedian Scott Agnew.
Walking and cycling tours – Gallus Pedals Tours will host walking and cycling tours across the weekend inspired by Billy’s life and legacy, taking in key locations and mural sites across the city.
While the pop-up musical performance is free to attend, tickets for the other events are being sold at reduced prices to allow as many people as possible to attend.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Cllr Susan Aitken, said: “Throughout our birthday year Sir Billy Connolly’s name has come up time and time again. As arguably the city’s best loved and most famous modern-day Glaswegian, we couldn’t celebrate this landmark year for the city without honouring Billy.
“Billy’s pioneering stand-up has always drawn on Glasgow’s spirit, resilience and uniquely funny bones, and then added his very own special brand of freewheeling genius to bring laughter and joy to millions. This weekend responds to the huge affection people have for the Big Yin with a living tribute to his comedy, music, storytelling and contribution to the arts – and to Glasgow.”
Gary Innes of Mànran and Hoolie in the Hydro, said: “Billy Connolly is a true representation of Glasgow – the city’s wit, warmth, spirit and love of music. This year’s Hoolie in the Hydro on 13th December is called The Big Yin and we will round off Glasgow’s birthday year with a tribute to one of the city’s most famous sons.
“As a warm-up to our own toast to Billy, it is fantastic to be part of The Big Yin Weekend and join other institutions from across the city in celebrating the Glasgow legend. Get along to the legendary Park Bar to see the first ever performance of The Big Yin, a tune that I have composed in honour of Sir Billy and raise a glass to the man himself, and Glasgow’s 850th year.”
Krista MacDonald, Festival Director, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, said, “Sir Billy Connolly is the heartbeat of Glasgow’s comedy spirit, a trailblazer whose wit, warmth and honesty put Scottish comedy on the world stage.He embodies the humour, resilience and character of this city, and continues to inspire every performer who steps onto our stages.
“At the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, his legacy is felt in every laugh, reminding us that comedy here isn’t just entertainment, it’s part of who we are. We are excited to celebrate the Big Yin and Glasgow’s 850th celebrations with a special comedy event in the new Stand Comedy Club.”
Paul Gallagher, Head of Programme at Glasgow Film, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of The Big Yin Weekend with a special screening of Murray Grigor’s Big Banana Feet at GFT, complete with an introduction from Glasgow-based comedian Scott Agnew.
“Rarely screened since its initial release, the documentary captures Billy Connolly’s comic genius, musical flair and unmistakable Glaswegian charm off-stage.
“Lovingly restored by the BFI using the only 16mm print known to exist, the film was a sell-out hit when it premiered at Glasgow Film Festival in 2024, and we’re sure audiences will jump at the chance to experience Connolly’s larger-than-life talent on the big screen.”
Martin Heaney, Founder of Gallus Pedals, said: “As perhaps the most loved Glaswegian there’s a Billy Connolly reference on almost every one of our tours – not because every guest has heard of him, but because he brings humour to the most ordinary parts of life and has influenced how many of us describe this place.
“It’s been a real joy discovering and exploring parts of the city that helped shape him both as a person and shaped his career and being able to share those locations on our tours.”
More information on attending the free music event or booking tickets at glasgow850.com or on each of the partners’ websites.
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled at a glittering Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow on Tuesday. Celebrating its 30th year, the prestigious event welcomed hundreds of hospitality professionals from across Scotland, with over 100 venues shortlisted as finalists.
Top industry honours went to some of Scotland’s most iconic names. Michele Pagliocca, owner of Monteleone Ltd (The Marlborough, The Butterfly and the Pig,
The Buff Club and Singl-End) in Glasgow, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Donald MacLeod MBE was recognised with the SHG Contribution to the Industry Award and Buzzworks’ Alison Blair was named Inspirational Woman of the Year.
Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2025
There were big celebrations in Edinburgh as local venues scooped some of the night’s most coveted titles.
Black Ivy was named Hotel Scotland Hotel Bar of the Year, Hey Palu claimed the Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, and The Athletic Arms (above) took home the title of Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year.
I’m sure my old pal Frank Russell would have raised a glass to THAT award! – Ed.
Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2025
It was a double win for Encore Bars, with Freddy’s picking up Fireball Best Late Night Venue, and owner Edward Fox receiving the Black Ivy and Montpeliers Rising Star Entrepreneur Award.
The night even saw individual successes celebrated, with Jane Ross (The Mother Superior) awarded the Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award, Gavin Ruthven (The Dome) named HOSPO Manager of the Year, and Toby Peters (The Cocktail Geeks) shaking things up to win Schweppes Mixologist of the Year.
In Midlothian, The Original Rosslyn Inn was recognised as the DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, celebrating its warm welcome to both guests and their four-legged friends.
The celebrations continued in Glasgow, where Berlinkys was awarded the DRAM New Bar of the Year, Kitty O’Shea’s took home the Jameson Best Irish Bar title, and MacSorley’s proudly received the highly sought-after Pub of the Year award.
Dundee enjoyed a successful night, with Draffens honoured with the De Kuyper Award for Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues, and The Phoenix receiving the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality.
In Fife, Hugos Bar and Pavilion celebrated a second consecutive win, this time taking home the DRAM Best Beer Garden award, while The Criterion in St Andrews received the Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering trophy.
Elsewhere across Scotland, The Newton Bar in Millport was named DRAM Community Pub of the Year, The Birds and Bees in Stirling earned the Jump Ship Brewing Gastropub of the Year title, Lochy’s in Barrhead took the Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year award, and Aimee Ashworth from Dishoom was honoured with the Campari Bar Apprentice 2025 accolade.
Two industry giants also made their mark on the night. Apex Hotels showcased their commitment to staff wellbeing by winning the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year award, while the formidable Bucks Bar Group took home the Favela Independent Multiple Operator Award.
Special recognition was given to Fiona Joyce of the Solway Lodge in Gretna, who received the Unsung Hero award, and Lorraine Ferguson from Billy Bridges in Ayr, who was named Bar Personality of the Year.
Both women have dedicated over 20 years to their venues, embodying the passion and loyalty at the heart of Scotland’s hospitality industry.
Susan Young, organiser and Editor of industry publication DRAM, said, “It was fantastic to see so many deserving winners this year.
“These awards are a celebration of the people who make the Scottish hospitality industry the success it is, and this year’s entries were truly outstanding.
“Over the past 30 years, we’ve hosted some incredible events, and this was certainly one of the best. Every finalist deserves recognition for the exceptional venues they operate and should be immensely proud of their achievements.
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Whilst some public bodies and councils are working well together to tackle flooding, they face gaps in leadership, skills and data, and there is uncertainty about funding. This is limiting what can be achieved and opportunities to maximise the benefit of money spent are being missed.
Climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of flooding in Scotland, with almost 400,000 properties potentially at risk by 2080. But there is a risk that the action needed to prevent and tackle the already clear harms of flooding won’t happen at the scale and speed needed.
With the Scottish Government placing much more emphasis on flood resilience, there remain multiple barriers to effective collaboration across the public sector and to support communities. There is a lack of clarity in roles, responsibilities and funding. More also needs to be done to support communities to prepare for, and recover from, flooding.
The process for allocating funding for major flood schemes is currently not fit for purpose. Existing major flood schemes are taking longer to complete, with expected costs more than doubling to over £1 billion. This means that fewer homes and communities are protected than originally expected.
Almost 400,000 properties in Scotland could be affected by flooding by 2080.
Urgent action is needed from the Scottish Government and other public bodies to better protect communities from flooding.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland said: “The Scottish Government and other public bodies must urgently address critical gaps in roles, responsibilities, information and data. Failing to do this risks ambitions to build communities that can better withstand and recover from flooding.
“Whilst there are good examples of the Scottish Government collaborating with councils, communities and other public bodies, this isn’t sufficient given the scale of future risks.
“It is vital that greater certainty and clarity about the funding available for major flood schemes is provided, with costs and impacts managed and measured, and national agreement on collaborating and engaging with communities secured.”
Andrew Burns, Deputy Chair of the Accounts Commission, said: “Communities are at the heart of future flood resilience. Whilst there are good examples of the work councils are doing, they face significant challenges. There are gaps in the data they need, uncertainty over funding and a shortage of skilled staff.
‘There are inconsistencies in the advice, money and support to enable communities to become both more resilient to flooding events and recover more quickly.
“These challenges need to be addressed by both local and national government.”
The four-strong cast have completed a knockout Edinburgh Festival theatre run
A group of Edinburgh Napier University acting students have claimed an industry award for an Edinburgh Festival Fringe show that packed a punch.
Starring Daniel John Doherty, Liam Scobie, Arran Hogg and Ruairi Francis McCormack – and directed by Lecturer David Wotton from ENU’s School of Arts & Creative Industries – Cornermen tells the story of a young boxer and the exploitation of his success.
Following a successful run at theSpace on the Mile throughout this month, the cast have been presented with the coveted ‘Bright Spark’ award by The Scottish Theatre Awards on the Fringe.
Awarded every year by the Scottish Arts Club, the prize recognises Scottish actors or theatre-makers just embarking on their career, with the winner selected by a panel of expert judges.
Put on by in-house company Authentically False Productions, Cornermen stood out from the crowd of theatre acts on show across the city during August, drawing praise for its assured performance.
Responding to their award win, Daniel, Liam, Arran and Ruairi said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to have won the ‘Bright Spark’ award at our first foray into the professional theatre world after our training at Edinburgh Napier University.
“The hard work and dedication we put into Cornermen has paid off and we couldn’t be prouder to represent Edinburgh Napier and the Scottish theatre scene in this way.
“Hopefully, this award will be a great kick start to our career. We’ll always remember this moment, this award and this training.”
Cornermen director David Wotton said: “It’s awards like this that highlight our department and the hard work we do to make sure our training actors thrive in such a competitive market.
“This award marks a year of dedication by the cast of Cornermen, Daniel John Doherty, Liam Scobie, Arran Hogg and Ruairi Francis McCormack, and our department.
“Year upon year our course has exceptional National Student Survey results, and industry recognition like this shows that Edinburgh Napier University is a great place for an actor to train.
“Directing these four talented actors has been so very rewarding. It’s great that the industry sees and appreciates the work and dedication shown by both our talented actors and staff alike.”
Cornermen was one of many theatre productions put on by ENU students during the Edinburgh Festivals, which draw to a close this week.
It also follows previous shows such as Everything Under the Sun in being recognised by the industry.
Edinburgh residents accessing charity services averaged 27% in 2024, new data analysis reveals
An average of 27% of Edinburgh residents relied on a charity for essential support in 2024, from mental health care and debt advice to medical support, according to new data analysis by Ansvar Insurance. The figure was higher in some areas – up to 30%.
The analysis, based on the Charities Aid Foundation’s (CAF) Local Giving Report 2025 and interactive data map, emphasises the reliance on charities for essential needs-based services].
But despite the demand, fewer people are giving. CAF’s National Giving Report 2025 reveals the proportion of people donating has fallen to only 50%, a historic low since data collection began in 2016. Of those who gave, the majority supported national rather than local causes.
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, an expert insurer for the charity and not-for-profit sectors, commented: “The data illustrates how vital charity organisations are in Edinburgh communities, often addressing gaps left by statutory services, and doing so under financial and operational pressure.”
Additionally, there is a mismatch between where support is needed and where money goes, with some Edinburgh areas seeing 23% of residents relying on charity services and others as high as 30%.
Adam Tier added: “Our experience of working closely with charities has shown just how essential their services are for many individuals and families.
The challenge, and opportunity, for donors and policymakers is to help balance the disparity by directing more resources from affluent communities to those facing the highest levels of need.”
He concluded: “Policymakers should be urged to ease the flow of funding from wealthier areas to those with greater needs.
“Charities must also be supported to build more sustainable and risk-resilient models that can withstand rising demand and operational challenges.
“And for donors, particularly those in wealthier regions, consider a shift in giving towards local and community charities in under-resourced areas, where support can make a big difference.”
Musical performance by Steph Legg and ensemble at St Giles’ Cathedral
TONIGHT, audiences are invited to experience the life and work of one of Scotland’s most important painters through an entirely new medium: music.
On Thursday 28 August, which marks the anniversary of John Bellany’s death, saxophonist and composer Steph Legg will perform her debut album, Bellany, in the stunning surrounds of St Giles’ Cathedral.
A deeply personal and imaginative project, Bellany transforms the painter’s bold, autobiographical vision into a rich, genre-blending soundscape.
Steph was first captivated by Bellany’s work as a child after encountering his 1995 painting The Skate and the Kate. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with his vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and deep reflections on Scottish identity, all of which find voice in this moving musical tribute.
Performed by a dynamic ensemble featuring:
Steph Legg (saxophone and voice)
Julia Hart (violin)
Cameron Smith (cello)
Erin Sawicka (piano)
The performance leads audiences through a folk inspired chasm into the centre of Bellany’s world, exploring the social and religious themes of his work and visiting key people, places and events which shaped him.
The ensemble paint their own portraits of this complex character and as the final chords fade out, the fragments of Bellany interfuse to reveal his extraordinary life.
The exhibition features over 80 works spanning Bellany’s remarkable career. The performance is accompanied by the installation of Bellany’s 1965 work Box Meeting which is on show in St. Giles’ until end of September.
Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham said: “Steph Legg’s Bellany is a powerful and deeply original response to the life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists.
“Her music captures the same emotional intensity and storytelling spirit that define Bellany’s works. We’re thrilled to see this performance complement our current exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture and offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his work in both sight and sound.
Guinness World Records (GWR), are celebrating 70 years as the global authority on record-breaking achievements. It all started with a pub question “What’s the fastest game bird in Europe?”, a query that inspired the very first Guinness World Records book, compiled in a room above a London gym and published on 27th August 1955.
That single volume sparked worldwide curiosity about extraordinary feats, and GWR has since authenticated thousands of records in sport, technology, the human body, super skills and collections.
To mark the moment, GWR are celebrating record holder achievements and milestone moments over the last 70 years, including a handful of record holders who have been positively impacted by record breaking in their lives:
Liz West (UK): Largest collection of Spice Girls memorabilia – 5000
Elizabeth (Liz) West is an artist from Manchester, UK and has been collecting Spice Girls memorabilia since 1996 when the band first emerged on the pop scene. Initially Liz just collected albums, magazines and sticker books but after a year of chart successes she started buying singles and masses of official merchandise.
Liz’s record was initially approved in 2011, with her extensive collection of Spice Girls memorabilia totalling 2066 pieces earning her a place in GWR history. Since 2011, Liz has continued to build out her collection and on a recount this year she has more than doubled it with a total of 5000.
Liz’s career as a successful artist has some cross over with her collection, with her colour pallet being inspired by the 90’s and the Spice Girls’ era.
Liz said: “Holding the Guinness World Records title has allowed me to continue publicly exhibiting my collection nationally and internationally.
“In the early days of my career, my collection gave me the opportunity and ultimately allowed me to work full-time as an artist, which was always my dream.
“Being part of Guinness World Records 70th anniversary celebrations is wonderful and a huge honour. To be chosen amongst all the records globally ever made is incredibly touching – Girl Power!”
Colin Furze (UK): Fastest pram/stroller – 86.04 km/h (53.46 mph) &Fastest bumper car/dodgem – 161.476 km/h (100.336 mph)
Colin Furze is a self-taught inventor and engineer known online for his ambitious builds in his home workshop. A five-time Guinness World Records title holder and the current holder of two titles, Furze is recognised for bringing bold, unconventional ideas to life.
Colin said: “One of the things I always think is that a Guinness World Records title makes a project, no matter how crazy or weird, it kind of gives it a social relevance and people get behind you and want you to do well.
“I look at the certificates I’ve earned as achievements of the projects I have seen through from start to finish, I thought of it, planned it, built it, drove it and it became record-breaking!”
Zaila Avant-Garde (US): Most bounce juggles in one minute with four basketballs – 255
Zaila Avant-garde, 18, is a student from Louisiana, USA. Zaila began practicing these basketball tricks at age five. When she attempted the record titles at 13, the practice and skill shone through.
After breaking three record titles, she said “It’s empowering to know that you’ve just accomplished something that nobody else in the entire world has ever done before.”
Since breaking those GWR titles, Zaila says her life has “significantly changed.” She recalls: “I was pretty much a random little kid in Louisiana who was a little known on Instagram for juggling basketballs and not much else. At that time, getting the record was simply a personal accomplishment of which I was deeply proud.”
Since achieving her Guinness World Record titles, she has gone on to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee, become a New York Times bestselling author with her book “It’s Not Bragging If It’s True”, and was named Sports Illustrated Kids’ 2021 SportsKid of the Year. She says that her GWR titles propelled her to achieve these milestones and she notes that being a record holder adds a “level of spiciness to my life story.”
Najee Richardson (US): Farthest backflip between hanging ropes – 5.79m (19ft), Farthest double backflip between hanging ropes – 3.73 m (12 ft 3 in), Farthest lache (bar to bar) swing – 5.56 m (18 ft 3 in) , Highest lache (bar to bar) swing – 2.286 m (7 ft 6 in) & Farthest distance lache cat leap (bar to wall) – 4.90 m (16 ft 1 in)
Known as Spiderman to his friends and family, former American Ninja Warrior competitor Najee Richardson has the athleticism, passion, and drive of a true superhero. Between years of gymnastics and strength training for the American Ninja Warrior obstacle course, he believed he had what it takes to multiple Guinness World Records titles.
His GWR titles are specific skills he utilizes on the course. Each type of skill involves precision, strength, and determination to get to the next obstacle. In the case of his record attempts, he has achieved the farthest distance of each swing or flip, which requires another level of power and stability combined.
Najee said: “I think it’s really cool just to set a goal for yourself, a seemingly impossible goal that you can set for yourself to achieve.
“Something that pushes you pass your limit and that you can become the very best version of yourself, whatever field you’re in. I think having Guinness World Records title as a motivation is cool, because you’re doing something that no one else has ever done before and how many people can say that?”
Bryan Berg (US): Tallest playing card structure – 7.86 m (25 ft 9 in)
Architect Bryan Berg first achieved the Guinness World Records title for the tallest playing card structure in 1992 and hasn’t stopped leveling up card stacking since. Building every house of cards without glue, wiring, or metalwork, each record he’s achieved defies what was thought possible.
He’s a card-stacking pro. Bryan achieved this title 8 times between 1992 and 2007, taking the title back twice within that time and reaching new heights with each build. His grandfather taught him how to stack cards between matches at card tournaments at age eight. He was inspired to build bigger structures, which continues to fuel his creativity and love for the craft.
Bryan said: “The tallest playing card structure is a testament to a certain kind of engineering that I really enjoy, every card is a strategic placement based on how I want it to look or how it needs to work.
“Back in 1992, when I first achieved the record and got into the Guinness World Records book, it really paved the way for me to be able to basically spend my life doing what I love. I’m really honoured to be a part of Guinness World Records 70th anniversary, we’ve grown old together!”
Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday said: “As we mark the 70th anniversary of the release of our first edition back in the 1950s, we’re proud to be building on 70 amazing years as the global curator of superlative facts and achievements.
“We’ve seen so many iconic moments, the most amazing feats of strength and skill and endurance from talent across the globe and long may it continue. We’re now looking forward and celebrating the current – and next! – generation of record breakers.
“We want everyone to be part of it, whether that’s using our new record selector tool or having a go at one of our 70 unclaimed records, they are there for the taking!”
To inspire the next wave of achievers, GWR has identified 70 unclaimed record titles that have never been set – all fun, accessible, and open for anyone to claim.
Highlights include:
· Fastest 400 m sack race
· Farthest distance to bounce a coin into a cup
· Farthest distance bottle flip
· Fastest time to build a five-storey playing-card pyramid
· Most high fives in 30 seconds
The full list appears in notes to editors.
GWR is also launching the brand-new Record Selector, a short, dynamic online quiz at guinnessworldrecords.com that will match personality types to record titles they could attempt. Whether you’re a curious thinker, bold performer, focused planner or thrill seeker, there’s a title ready to be broken.
History At A Glance
For 70 years, Guinness World Records has inspired awe and ambition through stories of exception human achievements and extremes of the natural world, documenting everything from scientific discoveries to sporting achievements, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
· Origins (1955): 27 August 1955: First Guinness Book of Records was published
· Publishing Impact: 155 million copies of the book sold worldwide to date
· Beyond The Book: GWR content now spans TV series, live events and digital platforms, reaching billions of viewseach year
Multi-year commitment made to Scottish EDGE awards
A £3.6 million contribution to the Scottish EDGE Awards is to be made over the next three years, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.
The multi-year pledge goes beyond a Programme for Government 2025-26 commitment to provide £1.2 million this year by committing to deliver the funding level for the next three years. The funding will be matched pound-for-pound by the private sector over the same period.
Since being established in 2012 the Scottish EDGE awards have awarded more than £29 million to more than 700 businesses – with the platform helping many to establish national and international business operations.
To announce the funding, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited the headquarters of Ooni Ltd in Edinburgh. Ooni, creator and leader of the at-home pizza oven category, is a past recipient of Scottish EDGE funding and now operates globally, having sold over 2.5 million award-winning pizza ovens worldwide.
The Deputy First Minister said: “I have been consistently clear that entrepreneurs and start-up companies are the backbone of our economy – but they need the right support at the right time to ensure they can develop, grow and prosper.
“Since being established by the Scottish Government more than a decade ago the Scottish EDGE awards have become an integral part of the support network for Scottish start-ups, helping and supporting incredible success stories like Ooni on their journey.
“The Scottish Government is investing record funding into Entrepreneurism this year and it is incredibly encouraging to see multiple independent sources indicating our start-up community is thriving. but, However, recognising the importance that consistent support means for the start-up community and its backers, I’m delighted to extend our support for the awards not just for this year, but through to 2028.”
CEO of Scottish EDGE Evelyn McDonald said: “As a founding funder of Scottish EDGE, the Scottish Government has played a pivotal role in the delivery and success of the competition from the outset.
“The accomplishments and global growth of businesses like Ooni, who were relatively early winners, is testament to the wide-reaching impact funding can have on a business in those crucial early stages. Ooni are also an alumnus of Scale Up Scotland demonstrating how our programmes integrate to build world class businesses at scale in the ecosystem.
“We are confident that the benefits to the economy of the Scottish Government’s commitment over the next three years will be felt for a long time to come – not least in helping leverage further, private sector investment in the growth of Scottish businesses, with the likes of RBS and ongoing support from The Sir Tom Hunter Foundation.”
Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said: “Whether starting out or scaling up, every founder needs the right environment to succeed and keep growing. Fostering a thriving, inclusive and vibrant start-up community is a critical component of a creating healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Now a well-established initiative for identifying and supporting early stage Scottish companies across a broad range of sectors, this longer-term backing for the Scottish EDGE awards enables a more strategic approach to delivering the programme and illustrates public and private sector commitment to driving closer alignment, collaboration and investment in our entrepreneurs.”
Co-Founder Co-CEO of Ooni Darina Garland said: “Since 2012, Ooni has grown from a tiny yet ambitious start-up to the global innovative home cookware company we are today.
“Like any business, our journey hasn’t been without its challenges, and the support of Scottish EDGE was fantastic in our early years – both the funding we won which helped us kick off our IP journey and the mentorship we received which played a role in our early development, enabling us to innovate and expand rapidly.
“It’s been a pleasure to support Scottish EDGE as a judge and pass on our knowledge and experience to support other entrepreneurs. This multi-year funding pledge will undoubtedly help many more ambitious Scottish entrepreneurs achieve their potential and contribute to the economy.”
The Scottish Government established the Scottish EDGE (Encouraging Dynamic Growth Entrepreneurs) Fund in 2012 to boost jobs and growth in the Scottish economy. Originally established in Scottish Enterprise, Scottish EDGE was spun out to a private sector led social enterprise in late 2014.
We meet every week in person. Term starts on Tuesday 9 September at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
