Golfing gadget on course for slice of £1m backing

A FORMER teacher and electronics engineer is eyeing a launch next year for his gadget that aims to help golfers keep track of every aspect of their game.

A gadget that promises to help golfers with all aspects of their game will compete for a portion of a one million pound fund. Picture: Steve Lindridge

David Hunter, who set up Edinburgh-based Shot Scope two years ago, has already raised £210,000 to help take his smartwatch-style device to market, and is now in the running for a slice of £1 million in funds to be awarded by Scottish Edge this week.

Having been shortlisted from more than 250 applicants, Hunter will battle it out with 25 fellow entrepreneurs, each aiming to win up to £100,000 by impressing judges at the event, to be held at Royal Bank of Scotland’s Gogarburn headquarters on Friday.

The judging panel comprises Scottish Edge chairman David Shearer; Highlands & Islands Enterprise’s director of regional development Carroll Buxton; Carol Graham of family-owned dairy firm Graham’s; RBS group HR director Elaine Arden; and David Sneddon of venture capital firm Scottish Equity Partnership.

Shearer said: “It’s been great to hear from so many young businesses hoping to make a major contribution to Scotland’s economy, and we look forward to picking those with the very best potential and putting them on the fast track to growth through funding and support.”

He added: “Even those who don’t win will no doubt benefit from the experience, and will be encouraged to 
apply again for the next round of funding.”

Scottish Edge, launched in 2012, is a fund of more than £5m endowed by Sir Tom Hunter, RBS and the Scottish Government.

Half of the funding dished out is in the form of a grant, with the remainder expected to be paid back over a maximum of five years. Winners also receive a package of support, including the services of law firm Harper Macleod and a business mentor, to help grow their companies.