The collection will be open to all members of the public and will chronicle the history of the thriving sector

The history of the social enterprise sector in Scotland is to be preserved for posterity.

Glasgow Caledonian University is to host a national archive capturing the country’s social enterprise story after securing £90,000 of government funding.

The collection will be open to all members of the public and will chronicle the history of the thriving sector.

Figures show there are now more than 5000 social enterprises operating in Scotland, with 64% being led by women.

The Scottish Government has a 10-year Social Enterprise Strategy aimed at supporting and businesses that reinvest their profits to address social change in areas such as homelessness, unemployment, inequality, and climate change.

The Scottish Social Enterprise Collection will expand on the existing archive of work by the late John Pearce, viewed as one of the most influential figures in community enterprise in the UK.

Aileen Campbell MSP, cabinet secretary for communities, said: “With so much happening across Scotland and given the vibrancy of this sector it is vital that this story is probably captured, understood and shared for the benefit of all.

“That’s why I am delighted to announce the Scottish Government will provide £90,000 to the Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health at Glasgow Caledonian University, named in honour of the Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, to help establish Scotland’s Social Enterprise Collection.”

The announcement coincided with the start of the 2018 Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh, which runs till 14 September.