A fast-growing Aberdeen-based events company founded by Scottish darts legend Alan Soutar and 30 Under 30 alumni Johnny Brooks has secured investment from one of Scotland’s best-known hospitality entrepreneurs just months after launching.
Black Tartan, which describes itself as a fan-first live entertainment business, has received backing from Teddy Lee, the founder of restaurant group Maki & Ramen.
The rebellious company was launched in December of 2025 by the local pair, with the express aim of creating better live entertainment ranging from intimate concerts to comedy and never seen before stage experiences, while challenging industry practices such as dynamic ticket pricing, ambiguous fees, and an unfriendly customer experience.
Black Tartan positions itself as an ethical disruptor brand within the events sector, placing wellbeing and experience quality for both audiences and performers over sheer financial profit.
Teddy Lee is widely recognised for building Maki & Ramen into one of the UK’s most successful casual dining brands. The business was recently ranked as the third fastest-growing company in Scotland according to The Sunday Times, highlighting the rapid expansion achieved under Lee’s leadership.
Maki & Ramen has been a hit with customers around the UK and recently celebrated its most successful launch to date with the opening of its Aberdeen restaurant in the Union Square shopping centre, serving more than 14,000 customers in just one month.
This investment is expected to support Black Tartan’s rapid expansion, including the development of new live events across Scotland and beyond, as well as the rollout of its membership ecosystem aimed at rewarding loyal fans with early access, exclusive experiences and a platform that will give the fan community involvement in future programming.
Among the company’s early announcements is a major live show scheduled for 2026 at Aberdeen Music Hall, featuring cast members from the hit Scottish comedy Still Game, which has sold 95% of tickets in its first weeks on sale.
Alan Soutar, co-founder shared: “It’s really exciting because I’ve been the fan and the person the fan is paying their hard-earned money to see, we really want to make that experience much better, we want people to feel like VIP’s, not punters.”
When asked what was coming next Soutar said the following: “Our first show in Aberdeen has already virtually sold out. Now, thanks to Teddy Lee’s investment fans across Scotland will get to have their very first Black Tartan experience, so keep your eyes peeled for new shows arriving in Edinburgh, Dundee and more coming very soon.”
Black Tartan said the backing from Lee brings not only financial support but strategic expertise in scaling experience-led brands and building strong customer communities.
With growing momentum and the support of one of Scotland’s most successful entrepreneurs, the company is now aiming to establish itself as a significant new player in the UK live events market and beyond.
Quote from Johnny Brooks, CEO of Black Tartan
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“Black Tartan is being built to put fans first and challenge how live events are typically run, securing backing from someone with Teddy’s track record so early in our journey is a huge vote of confidence in both our values and our growth ambitions. We’re only a few months in, but the response so far has already been incredible and this investment gives us even more confidence to scale quickly while building a proudly Scottish brand that fans everywhere will actually enjoy getting behind. We’re building a world class team with plenty of names you will recognise from sports, music, film and television, but I can’t reveal everything quite yet.”
Quote from Teddy Lee, founder of Maki & Ramen
“From the first conversation, I could feel that Black Tartan was different. It’s built around people, experience and community, and that’s exactly what helped Maki & Ramen grow so quickly. Hospitality and entertainment are both about creating moments people connect with and want to come back for, so I’m really excited to bring that energy to Black Tartan and help build a loyal, passionate following around the world.”
