The McTavish Award launched

The Stand Comedy Club in partnership with The List Magazine and The Comedy Unit is proud to launch a brand-new Edinburgh Fringe award for 2026: The McTavish Award.

The McTavish Award will recognise the most outstanding Fringe show by a Scottish or Scottish-based act. The prize is sponsored by W Edinburgh and will include a £2.5k prize, a fringe run or tour in our venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow & Newcastle plus development mentoring with The Comedy Unit for TV or radio.

We’re incredibly excited to launch this award, however we need your help to make it happen!

We’re looking for a team of passionate comedy fans to come onboard as volunteers and help us create a longlist of shows to support our industry panel in choosing the winner. If you love live comedy and think you’d be a great at reviewing shows, apply now via the link in our bio!

This award has been established in memory of Paul Sneddon, better known to audiences as Vladimir McTavish.

Paul built a reputation as one of Scotland’s most original and fearless comedians, and was renowned for his kindness and generosity. He championed Scottish talent throughout his career, and The McTavish Award has been created to honour that legacy by recognising and celebrating exceptional Scottish comedians.

Check out our website for more information

Paul Sneddon (Vladimir McTavish)

The Stand Comedy Club pays tribute to a local comedy legend:

It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Sneddon known to so many as Vladimir McTavish & Bob Doolally.

Paul has been a vital part of The Stand since we began and much treasured and loved part of the comedy scene for many years.

He was as known for his kindness, encouragement and generosity as he was for his immense talent. He made every green room brighter, every line-up funnier and the world a nicer place to live in.

We are broken at the loss of our dear friend and will in time be marking his life appropriately.

For the time being, all our thoughts are with his family: Christine and his girls Julia and Rosie, as well as his many many friends and fans during this time.

Paul’s death was announced on Wednesday (1st July).