For Scottish comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe

The judging panel has now been announced for the new McTavish Award for Scottish or Scottish-based comedians at the Fringe.

This award has been named in memory of Paul Sneddon, better known to audiences as Vladimir McTavish and Bob Dollally, who died two weeks ago at the age of 70.

The winner will receive a £2,500 prize and other career support

The panel is: 

Rab Christie & David Kerr of production company The Comedy Unit

‘It is fitting that the award now honours Paul Sneddon who delighted so many audiences over so many years in the capital. Every year Fringe audiences roar with laughter at comedy shows created by Scots and performers based in Scotland and now in 2026 this award represents a terrific opportunity to recognise excellent comedy in Edinburgh.’

Krista MacDonald, director of The Glasgow International Comedy Festival

‘At its best, comedy reflects who we are, interrogates the world around us, and creates moments of connection that few other forms can achieve. Scotland has a remarkable tradition of producing artists who are unafraid to be bold, political, vulnerable and joyful — often all at once. It’s a privilege to join the panel for this award to help celebrate their work which demonstrates exceptional craft and artistic ambition. Such a fitting tribute for such a generous and supportive comic and human.’

Linzi Wright, programme manager at DF Concerts

‘Vladimir McTavish was an absolute giant of the Scottish comedy scene, so being involved in an award that bears his name is both humbling and slightly daunting. Scotland punches well above its weight when it comes to comedy talent, producing a remarkable number of brilliant comedians despite our relatively modest population. Awards like this are a wonderful way to celebrate the performers who keep audiences laughing all year round, not just during the Fringe. I’m delighted to help celebrate the strength, creativity and diversity of our homegrown comedy scene."

Geoff Evans, director of One4review

‘With the sad loss of Paul Sneddon – a veritable legend, a funny man, my friend and a delightful person – it is a fitting tribute to his legacy in naming this award in his honour.’

James Macfarlane, journalist at Broadway Baby

‘My career in the comedy industry began back in 2014 with The Stand Comedy Club, so to be back where it all started feels like a full circle moment. It’s a privilege to help celebrate Scottish and Scotland-based comedy while honouring Vlad McTavish’s remarkable legacy.’

Jay Lafferty, comedian and chair of The Stand Comedy Club

The McTavish Award is a perfect way for us to honour the memory of our wonderful friend. Paul Sneddon was a great supporter of his fellow comics, relentlessly encouraging and always ready to promote homegrown talent. An award dedicated to showcasing the solo shows created by Scottish and Scotland-based talent is a fitting way that we can begin to honour his memory.

Emmanuel Sonubi, comedian

‘There's so much strong solo work coming out of Scotland right now, and it's great to see an award built specifically to celebrate it. Really happy to be on the panel.’

Annie MacSorley, marketing officer at The Stand  and filmmaker

‘This award is an ode to the creativity, hilarity, and fearlessness that Scottish comedians have brought to the Fringe I know and love. The past decade of my life has been defined by comedy: filming stand-up specials, working at the Fringe, and becoming a full-time member of The Stand’s marketing team. Every day, I feel the love, sense of community, and energy that the Scottish comedy scene brings. This award is important not just to the performers, but to the writers, PR teams, bartenders, flyerers, punters, and everyone across Scotland who helps make live comedy a reality. It’s always a privilege to watch Scottish comedy take the Fringe by storm, and I can’t wait to be astounded

by the creativity and sheer vivacity of everyone who has the heart to take on a Fringe run. Vlad would be proud.’

Jay Richardson, comedy writer and reviewer for The Scotsman, Chortle and others

‘A great tribute to a great comedian and a welcome award for the Fringe.’

Murray Robertson, writer for The List

‘It's a huge privilege to be a judge for this new award. I must have seen Paul perform around 20 times over the years, and every performance was an absolute delight. We've lost one of the Scottish comedy scene’s greatest talents, and I can think of no better tribute than to champion a new voice.’

Published: 15 Jul 2026