The winners of Scotland’s annual awards for successful social enterprises were announced at an awards ceremony in The Scottish Parliament last week.

CCI Scotland, a landscape and construction company which also delivers training and support to people with complex mental health needs, scooped the coveted Social Enterprise of the Year 2018 award.

Commenting on the win, Niall McShannon, Managing Director of CCI Scotland said:

I believe that it’s testament to our model and to the hard work and dedication of our staff and board.

More importantly, it recognises the powerful values and commitment of our participants and volunteers, who despite a range of challenges turn up at CCI every week in order to make a contribution to their community.

New for 2018, the Environmental Social Enterprise Award went to Point and Sandwick Trust for their work supporting community projects on the Isle of Lewis, while not-for-profit funeral director Caledonia Cremation was named the social enterprise One to Watch.

Social Enterprise Scotland issued a call for applications earlier in the year, urging Scotland’s social enterprises to demonstrate how they’re improving the economy and society.

Shona Sinclair, Chair of Social Enterprise Scotland, said:

Congratulations to all the winners of the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2018.

A big thanks to everyone who entered the awards this year, reflecting the diverse range of organisations that are helping build a better economy and a fairer Scotland. Alongside our new Chief Executive we look forward to the further growth and development of Scotland’s social enterprise movement.

In celebration of the Year of Young People 2018 organisers this year introduced an award for Social Enterprise Champion under 26 to showcase the work being done by young social entrepreneurs to make Scotland a better place to live.

This went to Jordan McPhail, Managing Director and founder of Aspire Community Solutions – a social enterprise which delivers construction, landscaping and cleaning services to the public and private sector.

Other winners included GTS Solutions, Scotland’s only private security social enterprise, which took the Social Impact Award and Helen Houston from Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust who was named the Social Enterprise Champion over 26.

Photo: CCI Scotland (Social Enterprise Scotland)