Celebrating the spirit of Glasgow

Seven comedians have been shortlisted for this year’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.

The announcement comes as the city’s comedy festival gets under way, with the winner announced at a closing gala at King’s Theatre on March 30.

The Big Yin himself will chose the winner from the nominated comedians.

They are as follows - with their reaction to the news

Craig Hill
'I’m absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for this award! How could you not be? An award in the name of the great Billy Connolly in the spirit of the city he came from, is an absolute honour. So chuffed! Thank you very much Glasgow.'

Kim Blyth
I am floored and buzzing to be shortlisted. To be mentioned anywhere near the Big Yin or any of the previous winners and nominees is a bit mental to me but I’m over the moon’.

Marjolein Robertson
‘I’m overwhelmed to be nominated for this award. Billy Connolly to me is the father of storytelling comedy. He broke the mould bringing his folk background and telling stories, creating images on stage. He's my greatest inspiration so to be included in this makes me feel like leaving Shetland to pursue comedy and bring my home's folktales to the stage was the right choice.’

Paul Black
'It’s a real honour to be nominated for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award and to be recognised in his name in the best city in the world. I will be citing this nomination on every gig poster for the rest of my life!’

Rosco McClelland
'To be nominated two years in a row for this award is incredible. Billy Connolly is an idol to this city, and to be mentioned in the same breath is a huge honour. Also, I will enter this every single year until I win!’’

Scott Agnew
‘What a lovely bit of news, proper tickety boo as a certain someone might say. I'm really honoured and chuffed to be nominated. He's been my idol and hero since I was in primary school - he got me into trouble at primary school - and to think now he's got his beady eyes on me, scrutinising my work, makes me nervous. I'll end up In The Brownies!"

Viv Gee

'I feel so honoured to be shortlisted for this award. Billy Connolly represents everything I love about comedy and about Glasgow. As an east-coaster who’s made Glasgow her home this is pure dead brilliant.'

Previous winners were Janey Godley in 2023 and Susie McCabe  last year. 

Comedy festival director Krista MacDonald said: ‘It’s an outstanding achievement to make it onto the seven-strong list amid some fierce competition. It’s an honour for the festival to have Sir Billy Connolly involved in this way and the award recognises the very specific Glaswegian humour, warmth and resilience that the Big Yin is so beloved for. 

Published: 13 Mar 2025