The successful sponsorship of Eden Court’s pantomime Sinbad by Inverness-based LifeScan Scotland has been recognised with a nomination for the 20th Anniversary Arts & Business Scottish Awards.

The awards are an acknowledgement of excellence in arts sponsorship. LifeScan Scotland and Eden Court have been nominated in a category that demonstrates how a partnership can be developed to involve and encourage employees’ participation in the arts through imaginative workplace and venue-based events and activities.

Last winter as Eden Court temporarily closed to enable construction work to begin on its development project, Sinbad the Christmas pantomime moved to a heated marquee. This move was supported by LifeScan Scotland’s commitment to the six-week show, the single biggest family event in the Highlands.

Relocation to a marquee created a huge amount of potential for LifeScan Scotland and Eden Court to work together. LifeScan Scotland staff with their families helped to decorate the big top and transform it into a Sultan’s palace, a pantomime day at LifeScan’s premises in Inverness saw actors in their dramatic Arabic costumes dropping in on employees at their workstations, over 1200 employees and their families visited the pantomime and there was even a competition for LifeScan employees for two walk-on parts in the panto.

As the partnership developed, Eden Court’s education team was able to provide drama-based health and safety training for LifeScan. These workshops were so successful that a DVD recorded at the time is now used across the organisation.

The pantomime partnership was the first time LifeScan Scotland has sponsored an event at Eden Court. Their nomination for an Arts & Business Scottish award places them on an impressive short-list of six that includes the Bank of Scotland and the Edinburgh Film Festival, The Royal Mail, Standard Life and brewery giant Scottish and Newcastle. The award will be announced in Edinburgh in October.

Mike Crowe, Managing Director of LifeScan was delighted with the Arts & Business nomination and said, “ It has always been important to us to support local events and the Christmas pantomime is a traditional and essential element of popular entertainment for all the family. I know that last year’s show was immensely popular and to be nominated for an award is an added bonus.”

LifeScan Scotland, the manufacturer of medical testing kits, is Inverness’s largest employer and has previously demonstrated strong support for the local community. In 2004 they donated £650,000 to the Eden Court Appeal for the construction of the second theatre.