Caitlin Mackenzie, Managing Director at RYSE
As we close out the first quarter of 2026, I’ve been reflecting on what has been, without question, a record-breaking start to the year for RYSE.
As we approach our 7th year of business, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. What started as a small but ambitious agency has grown into a full-service digital partner working with clients across multiple industries, growing in strength year on year.
Growing the RYSE Team
One of the biggest highlights this quarter has been the continued expansion of our team. We’ve welcomed new talent from across Perthshire, Fife and Dundee, strengthening our capabilities across design, marketing, photography and web development. We also had the opportunity to work with two fantastic interns from the University of Dundee during their six-week placement programme.
Building a team of passionate, creative people who genuinely care about the work they produce is something I’m incredibly proud of. It plays a huge part in the level of quality and results we deliver for our clients.
New Clients, New Opportunities
Q1 has seen us partner with an exciting range of new clients.
We’ve been working closely with GS Brown Construction, delivering a full suite of services including a new website, social media management, paid advertising, print design, as well as photography and videography. Working with Coleen, Kirsty, Ryan and the team has been a lot of fun, and it’s a partnership I have particularly enjoyed.
We’ve been working with our friends at Possible Estate Agents and also The Lending Channel to deliver some currently “under-wraps” projects that we’ll be excited to present in Q2.
We also partnered with Be The Best Football Academy, founded by Motherwell player Liam Gordon and St Johnstone FC goalkeeper Ross Sinclair, providing branding and social media graphics to help establish a strong and professional identity for the academy. This has been a bit of a passion project for Matty, as we continue to support youth and community initiatives where we can.
Work also began with Blairgowrie Golf Club, where we are developing a new, modern website to better reflect the quality and reputation of the club. As members ourselves, this one means a lot to us.
Ongoing Client Success and Collaborations
Alongside new partnerships, we have continued to build on our relationships with existing clients.
We’ve worked on some exciting collaborative projects with Dunfermline Athletic Football Club and The Kilt Company, providing media coverage of their partnership to promote a new Dunfermline Tartan for 2026.
With Cameron Motor Group, our work has expanded to include media coverage and photography, building on existing paid advertising and website support.
Our partnership with St Johnstone Football Club continues to grow, now spanning social media, website management, email marketing and ongoing design support, particularly in helping expand their Saints Retail operation.
On the campaign side, it was also great to support Rabbit Hole Cakes with their Easter campaign, bringing a creative seasonal push to life.
Behind the Scenes: Community and Personal Projects
Beyond client work, Q1 has also been a meaningful period for community involvement and personal growth.
This included joining the board of trustees at Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Trust, supporting the local community, building partnerships and helping strengthen their digital presence. Getting more involved in local projects in Blairgowrie has been something I’ve wanted to do for a while, so when Andy Davie and Caroline Shiers approached me, it felt like the right time.
There has also been ongoing work with Nicole at Strong Girls Club, developing a unique brand identity for a genuinely inspiring business. Their Run Safe initiatives focus on empowering women, building confidence and encouraging connection through activities like night running, hiking, rollerblading and Hyrox.
Outside of RYSE, attending several Women on Top events with the Egg Community has been a great way to connect with other inspiring women in business.
A standout moment this quarter was being matchday sponsors at St Johnstone vs Queen’s Park, sharing the experience with friends and fellow business owners. Celebrating RYSE with those closest to us is something I will always value.
Looking Ahead
It has been an incredibly busy, rewarding and successful start to 2026, and it feels like we are only just getting started.
I’m proud of the team, the work we are producing and the relationships we are building. If Q1 is anything to go by, this is going to be a huge year for RYSE.
Here’s to Q2.
Caitlin
