The Grierson Awards are awards set up by The Grierson Trust to recognise innovative and exciting documentary films, created to commemorate the life and work of the pioneering Scottish documentary filmmaker John Grierson. The inaugural Awards were given in 1972 and since then have occurred annually. In 2000 The Grierson Trust forged a link with the UK Film Council in order to expand the awards and add prestige to the awards. The awards have grown in stature and recognition over the years.