GENIUS Foods founder Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne and former Macsween Haggis boss Jo Macsween are among 25 new additions to the Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES) Ambassador programme.

The fresh intake brings the total number of ambassadors on the programme to 39, and follows a £60,000 funding boost announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last month. WES, which aims to boost entrepreneurial activity among women, set up the scheme to provide accessible role models for females who are thinking of starting a business or expanding an existing enterprise. Justine Mitchell, co-founder of spa business Chamomile Sanctuary, and serial entrepreneur Vicky Brock are also among the new ambassadors.

WES chairman Lynne Cadenhead said: “The Ambassador programme is a core element of the Scottish Framework and Action Plan for Women’s Enterprise. Research consistently shows that women entrepreneurs seek out and are inspired by accessible role models and we are delighted so many inspiring women have stepped forward to inspire, engage and connect with women-led start-up and growth businesses.”