Two of Scotland’s leading philanthropists have combined to give Ardgowan Hospice a welcome £20,000 cash injection. 

The Easdale Investment Group and The Hunter Foundation each pledged £10,000 to the Inverclyde Hospice at the Founders Conference, which took place at Gleneagle’s Hotel on Friday 3^rd November 2023.

The event was the first of its kind and hosted by The Hunter Foundation in partnership with the Scottish National Investment Bank and supported by Entrepreneurial Scotland.

Sandy and James Easdale both attended the event alongside Line of Duty star and Ardgowan Hospice ambassador, Martin Compston, with the brothers matching The Hunter Foundation’s donation.

ICC Member, Ardgowan Hospice plans to use the generous donation to help improve facilities for patients and their families.

Martin Compston, Ardgowan Hospice ambassador said: “I am incredibly grateful to James and Sandy Easdale for their generosity in matching the £10,000 donated by the Hunter Foundation to Ardgowan Hospice. 

“With both of their kind contributions, we can make an even greater impact and ensure that those facing end-of-life challenges receive the comfort and support they deserve.”  

The Easdale Investment Group is behind several of Scotland’s largest housing projects, including the Spango Valley site in Greenock, the former Tullis Russell paper factory in Glenrothes, and a waterside housing development at Dumbarton, creating over 3,000 new homes within the next decade.

Reflecting on the donation, Sandy Easdale said: “Ardgowan Hospice plays an integral part in the community in Inverclyde and as a result, so many local families have a connection with the charity.”

James Easdale added: “Both Sandy and I were therefore delighted to match The Hunter Foundation’s generous donation, which we know will be put to excellent use to provide a significant impact for families in Inverclyde.”

The inaugural Founder Conference was held to inspire and support entrepreneurs by focusing on scaling businesses through the building of meaningful connections and driving economic growth.

The event saw speakers including Lord Willie and Lady Susan Haughey, who for the first time together, share their story of building a £billion+ family business from Glasgow’s Gorbals.

The conference also welcomed Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Oxford’s Pandemic Sciences Institute and co-founder of Vaccitech, who initiated the development of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Guests also enjoyed hearing from TV star Compston and journalist and broadcaster Gordon Smart.

McGill’s Buses

Ardgowan Hospice

The Hunter Foundation