Bankfoot man takes share of huge government enterprise fund

A Perthshire resident has become one of 15 people to share a huge grant fund from the Scottish Government.

Graham Miller, founder of Really Real Resources, took a share of £215,000 as part of the government’s social entrepreneur fund.

The Bankfoot man was awarded a maximum of £5,000 to pilot his business, which looks to archive original photojournalism.

His company will license images around the theme of vulnerability, to show real life stories to the global media to challenge stereotypes.

The awards were delivered by Firstport, a development agency for start-up social enterprises in Scotland.

Grants are delivered in two stages, Start It and Build It.

The first phase offers a maximum of £5,000 to begin a business, while the second stage offers up to £20,000 for businesses who have already piloted their idea.

Mr Miller said: “Really Real Resources is very well placed to have an impact.

“Over the last 10 years I’ve worked as a documentary photographer on mental health, Down’s syndrome, autism and rare conditions.

“I am frustrated that we rarely see images in the media which reflect the lives of the most vulnerable in society.

“This award will be used to create the platform from which our new business will grow.”

Chief executive of Firstport Josiah Lockhart said: “Starting a social enterprise can seem daunting but the support is there at each stage to help you develop your idea into a viable business, delivering a lasting social impact.”

Other winners included a Dundee scrap store and a community-led organic farm and delivery business on Arran.