Eureka! Scots inventors gallop off with honours

John Logie Baird: Prize winners proud to follow in his footsteps

And last night the next generation of Scots inventors were celebrated, though their devices' revolutionary benefits may inspire a little less gratitude: a device that tricks fish into swimming faster; an eco-friendly alternative to cremation; and a revamped saddle.

At a ceremony in the Glasgow Science Centre, the winners of the John Logie Baird Awards were announced to 300 industry experts and guests, including Iain Baird, the grandson of the father of television.

Among the victors, for whom the term boffin was invented, was Sunil Kadri, who developed a specially configured LED lighting matrix which, apparently, stimulates optimal swimming speeds in farmed fish. The system can improve the growth and meat quality of farmed fish such as salmon.

Mr Kadri, 44, who works for OptoSwim Technologies, was one of 200 entrants to the awards and said: "It feels fantastic to be recognised for all our hard work over the years, and what greater honour than to receive an award which celebrates one of Scotland's greatest inventors?"

Speaking about the lighting system, which would have many people scratching their head, he said: "The optomotor response is something that most people will have experienced.

"For example, have you ever sat on a stationary train while the train next to it is moving? The strange sensation of movement that this creates is the optomotor response. OptoSwim Technologies uses a system of flashing lights to illicit this feeling in schooling fish, which causes them to swim faster and further."

Meanwhile, the decision to give the saddle its first revamp in 2,000 years was made by Trace Ward, 29, while she worked as a horse trainer on the set of Hollywood film The Last Samurai, which starred Tom Cruise. The About Tack saddle allows more freedom of movement for the horse while distributing the rider's weight evenly.

The winners of the John Logie Baird Awards received a support package worth 20,000 to help their businesses.

A discretionary award for Outstanding Achievement in Innovation went to James Goodfellow.

The 73-year-old was honoured for his contribution to Scottish innovation after he patented the Personal Identification Number (PIN) technology.

Isabell Majewsky, chief executive of the GO Group, which organised the awards, said: "All of our winners really impressed our judging panels, who saw pitches from hundreds of inventors and innovators. They encompass what the John Logie Baird Awards are all about – entrepreneurship, passion and dedication.

"We have identified many magnificent inventors and innovators, and I'd like to congratulate them all."

THE AWARD WINNERS

Bespoke computer game

THE firm Realtime Worlds has helped develop some of the world's best-selling computer games, including Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto. Their new game, APB (All Points Bulletin), features a customisation system that allows players to define exactly how they want their character to look in-game.

Every facial and body feature can be tailored, meaning that players will never see another player looking exactly the same.

Experts in the gaming industry believe the innovation could be the next big thing in computer games, with all games allowing players to develop their own characters. The firm, based in Dundee, has put Scotland at the cutting edge of computer game design.

Holiday whodunnit

DAVID Goutcher of East Kilbridge firm Polybius Games has developed Super Spy Camp, an online interactive game for children which can be played within hotels, cruise ships and holiday parks worldwide.

The game issues players with missions, which they complete by finding and solving clues in the grounds of the hotel or holiday venue.

The stories behind the games can be tailored to each resort.

Mr Goutcher, a former Strathclyde police inspector, has secured deals with Macdonald Hotels and Resorts and Center Parcs.

He predicts the game could spell the end of children on holiday uttering the timeworn phrase: "I'm bored."

Cremation 'by water'

THE most disturbing invention for those of a nervous disposition was that created by Sandy Sullivan, who is changing the funeral industry and the options available to people when they die with his firm, Resomation.

Resomation is an eco-friendly alternative to burials and cremations. Simply put, resomation is much the same as cremation, except instead of fire, it involves a water and alkali-based method, which uses the same chemistry as in natural decomposition but is much quicker.

Resomation has been developed in response to increasing environmental awareness and concern over the impact of traditional cremations.

No more saddle sore

THE decision to give the saddle its first revamp in 2,000 years was made by Trace Ward, who is 29, while she worked as a horse trainer on the set of Hollywood film The Last Samurai, which starred Tom Cruise.

The About Tack is specially designed saddle which allows more freedom of movement for the horse while distributing the weight of the rider evenly.

Ms Ward, from East Lothian, found that "traditional" horse saddles caused comfort problems for both rider and horse. She set about creating a saddle using a material called Dyneema, which is 15 times stronger than steel, and spreads the rider's weight.

Eco theatre

GLASGOW-based Eco Drama is to be awarded a Social Enterprise Innovator award.

Eco Drama is an educational theatre company which brings shows and workshops to children, young people and the wider community.

A spokesman said: "The main aim is to engage and educate in the values of caring and being responsible for the natural world, placing particular emphasis on theatre as a tool for education which is inspiring, motivational and fun."

The company's new production, touring in May, is an ecological fable inspired by Eigg, the beautiful island off the west coast.

Fish 'speedometer'

SUNIL Kadri has developed a specially configured LED lighting system which stimulates optimal swimming speeds in farmed fish.

The system can improve the growth and meat quality of farmed fish such as salmon.

Mr Kadri, who is 44 and works for OptoSwim Technologies, said: "This award means a lot to our business.

"It feels fantastic to be recognised for all our hard work over the years, and what greater honour than to receive an award which celebrates one of Scotland's greatest inventors – John Logie Baird."