The very best of the Scottish cultural scene gathered last night at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange to celebrate the wealth of the country’s talent.
The event was sponsored by Cameron, Edinburgh Napier University, EventScotland (part of VisitScotland’s events directorate), MGA Management, Theatre School of Scotland and Rotunda Comedy Club.
Broadcaster Bryan Burnett was the host for the evening and the event was opened by the very talented students of the Theatre School of Scotland; the guests then enjoyed their performance again with a dinnertime set.
Edinburgh Napier University sponsored the Lifetime Achievement Category, which was awarded to Una McLean. Pauline Miller Judd, of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.
The awards were once again a great showcase of Scottish talent and it was a huge honour to acknowledge Una’s fantastic contribution to Scottish cultural life.”
EventScotland sponsored the Outstanding Cultural Event, with the presentation going to Tiree Music Festival. Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “Congratulations to all the winners at this year’s Herald Scottish Culture Awards, especially Tiree Music Festival for winning the prestigious title of Outstanding Cultural Event.
“EventScotland is delighted to continue its support of the awards, which are a wonderful celebration of Scotland’s world-renowned cultural sector.”
Tabitha Watson, agency director at MGA Management, sponsor of the Outstanding Musical Performance, which was awarded to John McCusker, said: “It was an evening filled with laughter and celebrations, a society uniting together to recognise Scottish talent within the industry.
“It was so wonderful being amongst such a talented group of diverse people celebrating Scottish culture and I look forward to what 2020 holds.
A night to remember indeed!’
Dr Andy Greer, partner of Rotunda Comedy Club, sponsor of the Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Comedy category, said: “Scottish people are renowned for their sense of humour in the face of adversity, including our manic summer weather!
“All of the award nominees are exceptional. Stand-up is a powerful platform for social commentary and relieving the tension of current affairs. It is fantastic that the medium has recognition through these awards. The nominees are particularly strong in the comedy category, so there is particular kudos to the winner here.”
The Theatre School of Scotland sponsored the One To Watch category, which went to Rachel Jackson.
Reece Donnelly, founder and managing director of the Theatre School of Scotland, said: “We are delighted for the One To Watch winner Rachel Jackson. She is a very worthy winner, someone who in my opinion inspires the next generation. It was great to see so many worthy winners recognised for their hard work. We have an incredible amount of talent in Scotland and it should be spoken about.”
On the night the judges presented a special contribution to Scottish culture award to A Play, A Pie and A Pint.
To view the highlights from the event, please visit https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/cultureawards/. For information on the 2020 awards, please contact Holly Rutherford on 0141 302 6019. You can follow social media updates on this event by searching #CultureAwards.