Celebrating 25 Years: Reflections on Our Anniversary at the Scottish Parliament

24 Nov 2025

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On 20 November, Social Investment Scotland (SIS) marked 25 years of supporting communities and social enterprises across Scotland.

On 20 November, Social Investment Scotland (SIS) marked 25 years of supporting communities and social enterprises across Scotland. Our anniversary event, held at the Scottish Parliament, brought together the people who have shaped our organisation - from staff and board members past and present to customers, funders, partners, MSPs, and one of our founders, Dame Jackie Baillie MSP. It was a fitting setting to reflect on what has been achieved over the past quarter-century and to look ahead to the opportunities that lie ahead.

The evening featured speeches from the First Minister, John Swinney, and Dame Jackie Baillie MSP, both of whom reflected on the role of social investment in Scotland’s economic development and community resilience. The First Minister spoke about how social finance can drive inclusive growth and support the transition to a fairer economy, while Dame Jackie shared her memories of SIS’s founding and her perspective on how the sector continues to evolve.

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First Minister John Swinney said:

“Social investment plays a vital role in advancing the four priorities at the heart of my leadership – powering a wellbeing economy, eradicating child poverty, improving public services, and driving progress towards a net zero future. 

“Over the past quarter century, Social Investment Scotland has enabled incredible social enterprises and community groups to flourish – transforming lives and strengthening communities across Scotland. 

“The Scottish Government hugely values the sector’s contribution to tackling systemic challenges, and we continue to support social enterprises with £6.3 million in funding for 2025-26.”

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Dame Jackie Baillie said:

“Social Investment Scotland was founded on the belief that finance can be a force for good - supporting communities, creating opportunities, and helping organisations to thrive. Over the past 25 years, SIS has demonstrated the impact that patient, values-led investment can have when combined with committed partners and ambitious social enterprises. The challenges facing Scotland today make this work more important than ever, and I am confident that SIS will continue to play a vital role in supporting a fairer and more resilient economy in the years ahead.” 

We also heard from Lesley Compston, founder of Klas Care, and a long-standing SIS customer. Lesley shared her experience of working with SIS to grow her organisation, which provides essential childcare services in Renfrewshire. Her reflections brought the discussion back to what social investment is ultimately about - enabling organisations on the ground to deliver impact for people and communities. 

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Lesley said:

“SIS believed in KLAS Care from the very beginning in 2017, and that support has shaped every stage of our journey since. From the Ambitions and impact programmes to monthly check-ins, risk planning through Covid, and guidance on net zero and community wealth building, SIS has always been more than a lender. Their backing has helped us grow sustainably, manage challenges, and stay true to our values while expanding our impact.” 

Following the speeches, guests were invited to watch a short film reflecting on SIS’s impact over 25 years. The video captured key milestones and featured voices from across our network - customers, staff, and partners reflecting on the progress made and the difference social investment continues to make in communities across Scotland.  

The remainder of the evening was dedicated to networking and conversation, with guests sharing experiences, reconnecting, and discussing the role of social investment in Scotland’s future. 

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As SIS moves into its next phase, our focus remains clear:

  • Strengthening relationships with communities and social enterprises.
  • Developing our approach to investment by applying what we’ve learned over the past 25 years.
  • Improving access and inclusion to ensure our support reaches those who need it most.
  • Staying adaptable in the face of economic and social change.

25 Years of SIS

To everyone who attended our event - and to all who have supported SIS over the past 25 years - thank you. Your collaboration, insight, and commitment have been fundamental to what we’ve achieved together. We are proud of how far we’ve come and equally determined to build on this progress as we continue to deliver impact and opportunity across Scotland. 

You can watch our 25th anniversary film below.