A DUMBARTON social enterprise has won a leading industry accolade at a star studded awards ceremony.

SKapade Studios, based in Castlegreen Street, beat off tough competition? ?to? ?scoop? ?the? ?illustrious? Herald Society award for ‘Top Social Start-up’.

The group aims to benefit young people who are often left behind or struggle in the traditional education system.

And their efforts are really beginning to pay off – not only through a string of community impact awards, but some of their alumni have been gracing music stages across the world and joining the ranks of education establishments such as the Royal Conservatoire? ?following? ?their? ?guidance.   

SKapade director Stephen Kirkwood said: “The effort from our entire team? ?has? ?been? ?fantastic? ?this? ?past? ?12? ?months. “To see our hard work not only be recognised by our peers, but seeing the difference? ?we? ?are? ?making? ?in? ?young? ?peoples? ?lives? ?has? ?been? ?a? ?dream.”

Manager Steven Galloni added: “It’s been a whirlwind year for us. Not only have we been all over Europe with some of the artists who use our studio, but? ?we’ve? ?really? ?helped? ?some? ?young? ?people? ?find? ?a? ?direction.”  “Myself and Stephen grew up wishing we had something like this growing up, and I burst with pride knowing that I have played a part in helping the next generation.” 

The team have worked tirelessly over the past year in a variety of projects alongside organisations such as the Prince’s Trust and Young Enterprise Scotland, delivering courses for young people in music production, events management? ?and? ?social? ?media? ?skills.    

This Herald Society Award follows hot on the heels of SKapade Studios picking up the ‘Community Impact Award’ for West Dunbartonshire just a few? ?months? ?back.    

The team aren’t finished yet, however, with Steven adding: “Thanks to all of the funders and partners across Scotland we’ve been able to purchase additional equipment, which will allow us to launch some huge plans for the festive period, with more courses planned to help kids out there find their passion.” 

You can find out more about SKapade Studios and the work they do by searching? ?for? ?them? ?on? ?all? ?social? ?media? ?channels.