Aberdeen Asset Management sponsor The Great Scot Awards 2012

The Great Scot Awards, which honour Scottish achievements in the fields of entertainment, arts, sport, fashion and accomplishments in charity work, have announced a new sponsor for this year’s award ceremony, Aberdeen Asset Management.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said of the sponsorship: “we’re delighted to be supporting the Great Scot Awards which celebrates the best in Scottish arts, charity, sports and initiative. Their reach spreads far beyond our shores and ensures that Scotland continues to be recognised as a place that fosters talent.”

The awards, which take place annually, have a reputation for attracting high-calibre guests and highlighting the best of Scottish culture, indeed recognising and fostering emerging talent. Former winners have included Annie Lennox, Sir Jackie Steward and the philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, hinting at the diverse range of categories and interests that the Great Scot Awards aim to embrace.

Another sponsor of the awards continues to be Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky, which has been a constant supporter of the awards since their inception four years ago.

This year’s ceremony will take place in late November, with nominees being deliberated on until then by a panel of former winners and notable Scottish nationals, all recognised names in the industries that are to be honoured. Judges including broadcaster and political pundit Andrew Neil and songwriter Bill Martin, will decide who will win in categories such as Best in Entertainment, Greatest Contribution to Sport and The Overall Great Scott Award.

The organisers of the awards also hope to further encourage charitable donations during the evening by auctioning off artwork by a former winner, artist Jack Vettriano, with an aim to raise over £100,000 that will be given to charities nominated by the winners of the awards during the evening.

Clare McCraith