Busy Siblings Make It To The Hall Of Fame

FROM humble beginnings, they have built a vast transport empire which covers much of the globe.

And their key role in driving forward the Stagecoach success story is reflected in an exhibition now open at the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland.

Contemporary Scots movers and shakers have been singled out and the Perth brother and sister duo are among the influential business figures featuring in the “Entrepreneurial Scotland” exhibition.

It is being mounted in association with the Entrepreneurial Exchange, an organisation founded in 1994 “to inform, motivate, educate, inspire and support entrepreneurs to build their businesses bigger, faster.”

They rub shoulders with the likes of motor racing legend Jackie Stewart, Sir Tom Hunter and Sir Arnold Clark.

The quirky portraits were taken by renowned Scottish photographers Tricia Malley and Ross Gillespie, who were commissioned to capture members of the Entrepreneurial Exchange Hall of Fame.

The portraits are accompanied by short texts by Kenny Kemp discussing the careers and the motivations of the subjects.

And Tricia admits the casual photo of Mr Souter perched at a bus stop in Perth city centre alongside two local passengers ranks among her all-time favourite shots.

She recalled: “It was on a main street and people were saying hello to him so I think he is quite popular.”

Right on cue a Stagecoach bus is seen passing in the background and the company chief executive is wearing his trademark Kickers.

James Holloway, director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, has worked closely with John Anderson, chief executive of the Entrepreneurial Exchange, to prepare for the exhibition, which is in keeping with the gallery ethos of promoting successful and important Scots.

Mr Holloway commented: “This is an exhibition about exceptional people: Men and Women who were not content just to dream dreams but who have worked hard, with imagination and determination, to make them a reality.”

Mr Anderson added: “The culture in Scotland has changed markedly over the last decade. Success is no longer something to be ashamed of.

“Our work in promoting entrepreneurship and wealth creation over the years has led to more balanced and supportive media coverage and politicians recognise that ambitions growing companies are vital to the future prosperity of Scotland.

“Of course we still need to create more companies of substance and scale in Scotland but, today, there are plenty of role models, many of whom are featured in this exhibition, demonstrating what can be done with the right mindset and support. They are an inspiration to us all.”

A book, “Portraits of Inspiration,” accompanies the exhibition in the capital, with a foreword by Virgin boss Richard Branson, who enjoys business ties with the Fair City entrepreneurs.

The exhibition, showcasing 24 leading entrepreneurs, runs at the Queen Street gallery until April 22 and admission is free.