News from our chums at Firstport:

The Social Innovation Competition delivered by social enterprise agency Firstport, celebrates individuals and start up companies in Scotland using their creativity and imagination to solve pressing social issues, focusing in 2017 on the themes of culture, heritage and tourism.

The winning projects include: a project to restore an iconic community building, a business boosting ethical tourism in Scotland and an organic food producer. These are just some of the projects who have scooped awards in this national competition for their innovative ideas.

The winners were presented with their awards by Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities, at a reception held by Social Enterprise Scotland in the Scottish Parliament last night (Tuesday 7 November). They receive £5000 each and tailored business support from Firstport.

The awards were presented as part of the 2017 Social Enterprise Awards Scotland.

Full details of all the awards at www.socialenterpriseawards.scot. More information on the Social Innovation Competition at www.firstport.org.uk/socialinnovation