For a comedian who encapsulates the spirit of Glasgow

Rosco McClelland has won this year’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.

The news was announced by the Big Yin himself via a video message played at the last-day gala of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival today.

He said: ‘Congratulations to Rosco McClelland - the slug nudger! Well done - I had a good laugh at your thing about the slugs in the bin. 

‘I wish you all the very best, I hope your career goes bouncing from strength to strength and that the Glasgow humour goes bounding from strength to strength, as it will. Congratulations.’

Accepting his award, McClelland paid tribute to previous winners Janey Godley and Susie McCabe.

He said: ‘I honestly can’t believe this. Thank you so much – to join the list of people who have won, Janey and Susie, is incredible. 

‘To know that the Big Yin has seen me do my silly wee bits of stand-up is insane, that’s the real prize in this. Just to hear him say my name, I can’t believe this, he’s the best to ever do it.’

McClelland also praised the other members of the shortlist: Craig Hill, Kim Blythe, Marjolein Robertson, Paul Black, Scott Agnew and Viv Gee. 

Festival director Krista MacDonald said: ‘Rosco McClelland is one of Scotland’s brightest comedic voices and has been entertaining audiences for over a decade with his unique look at the absurdities of everyday life.

‘To see a homegrown Glaswegian talent like Rosco be honoured with 2025’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award is a real testament to his hard work and commitment to his craft. 

‘Rosco embodies all that is exceptional about Glasgow and its comedy scene; a bold and brave brand of comedy, an unparalleled resilience and warmth and, above all else, an unfailing desire to make people laugh. 

‘Sir Billy Connolly is a comic who has shaped and defined Glasgow’s cultural identity, and reflected the very best of this city back to audiences around the world. To have the Big Yin involved in the Festival in this way and for us to distribute an award in his name is a real honour. 

A panel of judges put together the shortlist, which Sir Billy choosing the winner based on someone who was ‘resilient. open, unapologetic, gallus [bold, brave and cheeky] and funny’.

Published: 30 Mar 2025