...and they have a rival promoter to thank

The Stand comedy clubs have been given an award for the biggest contribution to Scottish comedy.

They triumphed at the Scottish Culture Awards last night, where stand-up Ray Bradshaw was commended for his show Deaf Comedy Fam, about his deaf family, which he simultaneously translates into sign language.

Just won a Scottish Culture Award commendation. Turns out you can win something in a waistcoat. #CultureAwards pic.twitter.com/jlkQHwhQQ3

— Ray Bradshaw (@comedyray) July 12, 2018

Comedy was only added to the awards after a campaign led by  comedian and stand-up promoter Alan Anderson, who ironically runs rival gigs to The Stand at Glasgow's Rotunda.

He persuaded organisers atthe Sunday Herald to belatedly add the category after arguing that the likes of Billy Connolly or Chic Murray had a greater influence on Scottish cultural identity than ballet dancers or opera singers.

The Edinburgh Fringe won he award for best international cultural event.

Published: 13 Jul 2018