The family-owned, award-winning crystal glassware business, Glencairn Crystal, has won the award for Manufacturing Innovation at the inaugural Made in Scotland Awards 2025. This latest accolade follows on from the company receiving the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation earlier this year and its recent shortlisting as a finalist in the Department for Business and Trade Exporter of the Year Award at the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards, reinforcing its world-leading role as a pioneer in innovation-led design and manufacturing of crystal and glass.
Founded over 40 years ago and based in East Kilbride, Glencairn Crystal is globally recognised for redefining the traditional crystalware industry. With its commitment to craftsmanship and cutting-edge processes, the company has become an international expert in ultra-premium spirit decanters and glassware design. It has pioneered advanced decoration techniques and the application of metalware on glass and crystal, underscoring its reputation for innovation, quality, and design excellence.
The debut Made in Scotland Awards organised by the leading B2B media platform, Insider, took place on 25 September at the Voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow. The event celebrated the strength and diversity of Scotland’s manufacturing sector across industries including food and drink, automotive, energy, digital and transport. Hosted by Scottish comedian Susie McCabe, the ceremony honoured companies that are shaping the future of Scottish industry. Winners will now progress to Insider’s Made in the UK Awards next year.
Glencairn Crystal received the Manufacturing Innovation Award for exemplifying how established businesses can innovate at scale. Judges commended the company for successfully blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting edge processes, delivering real change in both product design and production. They praised Glencairn Crystal for evolving without compromising its heritage – demonstrating that innovation can be rooted in reinvention as well as in new ventures.
The company also produces the Glencairn Glass which isrecognised as the world’s official whisky glass. This year the glass celebrates its 25th birthday and the company now sell over 5 million glasses across international markets each year.
The Made in Scotland Award was accepted on behalf of Glencairn Crystal by James Crilly, Purchasing Director, and Darren McGinn, Sales Manager. Commenting on the win, James Crilly said:
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“ Innovation has always been the driving force behind everything we do at Glencairn Crystal. From the earliest days starting out over 40 years ago, to becoming a global leader in premium glassware, we’ve never stood still. This award is not only a recognition of the new techniques and technologies we’ve introduced, but also of the passion and craftsmanship of our entire team. We will continue to push the boundaries whilst staying true to our family values and Scottish heritage.”
For further details about Glencairn Crystal please visit: www.glencairn.com and for the Made in Scotland awards: www.insidermedia.com/event/made-in-scotland-awards-2025
