Founded by Joan Johnston, the company has developed a unique, patented duvet utilising a blend of cashmere guard hair and wool, designed to enhance sleep quality.

The innovative Ava Innes duvet, crafted in the UK, is proven to help users achieve longer, more restful sleep with fewer disturbances. The awards will fund nationwide sleep trials in 2025, using biometric data to further validate the duvet’s temperature-regulating benefits, particularly for those experiencing menopause or undergoing cancer treatment. Over 75% of participants in a previous trial reported improved sleep due to the duvet’s temperature-regulating properties, with one independent user recording a significant increase in deep sleep.

Ms Johnston, who has over 20 years’ experience in luxury textiles, aims to position Ava Innes as the market leader in sustainable luxury bedding. She holds both UK and US patents for her cashmere guard hair and wool duvet filling, which is hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, breathable, and thermoregulating.

“Deep, restorative sleep underpins health and wellbeing. Imagine the impact of having quality sleep every night,” said Ms Johnston, founder of Ava Innes.

“My vision is for Ava Innes to become the trusted market leader in sustainable luxury bedding. That includes crafting our own products with a skilled workforce that puts value on craftsmanship with human touch, bringing jobs and wealth to a regional location here in Scotland.”

She continued: “Scotland holds its own on a global stage thanks to our heritage industries rooted in natural materials, craftsmanship and a long storied tradition of character and nature.

“I’m making it my mission to ensure that the epitome of excellence in natural bedding becomes the newest addition to a golden list of exports that Scots have every right to be proud of.”