The Social Enterprise Awards were held at the Scottish Parliament on November 1.
The brightest stars of the social enterprise movement in Scotland have been recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony.
The Social Enterprise Awards recognise the unique economic and social contribution made by the sector across Scotland.
The awards, hosted by Social Enterprise Scotland, were held at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, November 1.
Judges looked at entrants across six categories, including the coveted Social Enterprise of the Year, which was awarded to Hey Girls CIC. The social enterprise tackles period poverty.
Other winners were Coffee Saints, an Edinburgh social enterprise café, who scooped the One to Watch Award, Social Supermarket, an online platform bringing together products from more than 100,000 social enterprises in one place, which was given the Market Builder Award, and Glasgow-based language school Lingo Flamingo, which won the Health and Social Care Award.
Wood RecyclAbility won the Environmental Social Enterprise Award for its work to transform some 1,500 tonnes of waste wood into practical products each year.
Catherine Jones, from the Grassmarket Community Project was named Social Enterprise Champion of the Year for her work to tackle exclusion through mentoring, education and support.
In July this year, Social Enterprise Scotland was chosen by the Scottish Government to represent social enterprises in Scotland with one clear voice.
The independent and membership-led organisation supports and promotes the rich and diverse social enterprise sector across the country, helping them to maximise their social and economic contribution to Scotland.
Chris Martin, chief executive of Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “Our winners show the incredible contribution made by social enterprises in tackling some of the most pressing issues we face – from the environment to poverty and inequality.
“The last two years have been extremely challenging not only for trade, but also for the people and communities supported by our social enterprise community.
“The part that they play in supporting people and communities has never been more important, and I would like to pay tribute to their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit as they ensure support reached the communities that need it the most.
“I would also like to thank our sponsors for their support in making the awards possible. We are privileged to have a community like this and we are proud to celebrate with you.”
