Scottish Business Network

12/06/2026

"The biggest mistake ever was not taking him in the squad..." ⚽️

A brilliant look back at a 2021 interview with the late, great Craig Brown. The man who last took Scotland to the World Cup shares his regret over leaving Ally McCoist out of the 1998 squad, highlighting just how crucial dressing room personalities truly are.

As we watch an injured Billy Gilmour fly out to be with the team for the 2026 World Cup, Craig’s wisdom rings as true as ever. Team spirit and character mean everything in tournament football.

Remembering a Scottish football legend who is still dearly missed since his passing in 2023.

09/06/2026

What would possess someone to walk more than 3,000 miles across the United States in a kilt?

For Paisley fundraiser Craig Ferguson, it's about far more than football.

As Scotland prepares for the World Cup, Craig is undertaking the Tartan Trek a coast-to-coast journey from Los Angeles to Boston with the goal of raising £1 million for men's mental health through Scottish Actions for Mental Health (SAMH).

Having already covered thousands of miles through deserts, plains, and cities, he is now entering the final stage of an extraordinary challenge.

Read the latest article by Scott Dalgleish and follow Craig's inspiring journey as he makes his final push to Boston.

Scottish fundraiser Craig Ferguson enters the final stretch of his kilted coast-to-coast walk across the US for mental health charity SAMH.

08/06/2026

For nearly 250 years, one of Scotland's oldest heritage organisations has operated without a permanent home.

Now, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is launching an ambitious fundraising campaign to change that with a unique opportunity for major supporters to become part of Scottish history through a grant of arms from the Court of the Lord Lyon.

The campaign aims to secure a new global heritage hub in Edinburgh, creating a lasting home for Scottish history, scholarship, and cultural preservation.

Read the full article by Bill Magee here:

Scotland’s oldest heritage organisation is launching an ambitious fundraising campaign to secure its first permanent home in nearly 250 years. Discover how the Society of Antiquari

03/06/2026

It only takes one lion!

Scotland’s return to the World Cup has inspired a new anthem from legendary Glasgow band Belle and Sebastian.

Give it a listen and get behind the Tartan Army.

Stuart Murdoch and the gang wrote “It Only Takes One Lion” after the team’s dramatic qualification last November

02/06/2026

Are today's business models built for a global reality that has already shifted beneath our feet?

In this Saltire Sentinel feature, Witold Wisniewski from Better Organisations breaks down why rapid shifts in AI, robotics, sustainability, and geopolitics represent a permanent structural change for SMEs rather than a temporary disruption.

He outlines why rigid legacy frameworks leave companies vulnerable and how adopting a dynamic business design approach allows leaders to test assumptions and adapt faster than the market.

Read the full insight piece here: https://www.sentinel.scot/blog/are-today-s-businesses-built-for-a-world-that-no-longer-exists

27/05/2026

What does entrepreneurship really look like behind the headlines?

That’s exactly what Founders Unfiltered is all about, honest conversations on the realities of building, scaling, failing, learning and breaking through.

Join the Innovation Forum Glasgow on Friday June 5th at the University of Glasgow Advanced Research Centre for an evening of candid insights, networking and inspiration from some of Scotland’s most exciting founders and innovators.

The event will feature SBN's Chair Russell Dalgleish alongside an outstanding lineup of entrepreneurs from Scotland’s thriving innovation ecosystem, including voices from deep tech, medtech, biotech and scaling ventures.

Expect real stories, practical lessons, and the chance to connect with founders, researchers, students, innovators and business leaders who are helping shape Scotland’s future.

As Russell and Badri Aekbote highlights in the interview, these events are about bringing people together across disciplines to spark new collaborations, partnerships and ideas.

To learn more and book your space for June 5th: https://inno-forum.org/event/founders-unfiltered-stories-struggles-and-breakthroughs/

22/05/2026

Scott sat down with Jonny Downie, Founder of Barnton Park Group to explore the realities of fundraising, business growth, and how AI is reshaping the startup landscape.

From the misconception that raising investment is “easy” to the importance of validating your business before approaching investors, Jonny shares practical insights for founders navigating growth in today’s market.

22/05/2026

Our latest SBN Newsletter is out NOW!

Here are the latest stories:

Sales Growth Expo on May 26th is set to welcome over 350 delegates and 50 exhibitors for a day of keynote talks, networking, and collaboration featuring speakers including Russell Dalgleish and Lorna Farrell. Tickets still available!

The Interceltic Business Forum highlighted the growing importance of cross-border Celtic partnerships focused on innovation, AI, and long-term economic collaboration.

Founders Unfiltered on June 5th will bring together founders and innovators to share practical lessons on building and scaling businesses.

A new article from The Saltire Sentinel explores how the most effective sales teams are using AI to strengthen rather than replace human connection.

DotScot Registry has published a feature on the Scottish diaspora in Australia and the enduring value of global Scottish cultural and business networks.

Read the full newsletter here:

The Sales Geek Scotland 🏴 Sales Growth Expo is on Tuesday with more than 350 delegates already signed up and almost 50 exhibitors set to showcase on the day. With four keynote speakers including entrepreneur and investor Brian williamson, our own Russell Dalgleish, broadcaster and motivational sp...

21/05/2026

Meet Hudi Shehu, Chairman of Business Network Albania. Hudi shared the opportunities for Scottish and Albanian businesses to collaborate with each other and discussed the first ever BNA Conference, which will be the largest single gathering of the Albanian diaspora in the UK.

20/05/2026

Meet Bart Kowalczyk, Founder & CEO of AutomateNow, who talked about "Why Buyers Lie" and how you need more than just technology to help with your sales pipeline.

Book Sales Readiness Audit: https://www.automatenow.uk/solutions/sales-readiness-audit
Connect with Bart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-kowalczyk/

SBN Spotlight is your shortcut to the expertise within our community. These sessions are designed to be "light-touch" but high-impact, positioning our members as the go-to specialists in their fields.

If an interview sparks an idea, remember: we are all about the "Ask." We facilitate direct introductions to any of our featured guests to help you capitalize on the opportunities discussed.