[citation needed] The founders, Tommy Sheppard and Jane Mackay, (along with working circuit comedians Gordon Brunton, Bill Dewar, Viv Gee and Reg Anderson) wanted to create a platform for emerging Scottish comedians, as well as a place for people who enjoyed comedy "that looks at the world from a slightly different perspective".

[3] The venue has banned stag and hen parties, and talking during the performances, in an effort to minimise disruptive behaviour so that the comedians can concentrate upon delivering their crafted material.

In April 1997 Tommy Sheppard and Jane Mackay formed Salt 'n' Sauce Promotions Ltd. to develop the club on a commercial basis.

[8][9] The backdrop, a boy dressed up as a cowboy holding a toy gun to his own head, was painted by artist Thomas MacGregor, who was involved in the founding of the club.

The backdrop was repainted in 2022 by MacGregor to remove the toy gun, which was increasingly seen as problematic or offensive to some acts, and unhelpful in publicity images.

[12][13][14] Since becoming a year-round dedicated comedy club, The Stand has been a platform for comedians such as Fred MacAulay, Kevin Bridges,[15] Des Clarke and Frankie Boyle.

Over the year The Stand Comedy Club holds around ten benefit evenings which raises money for various charities such as the Red Cross and Amnesty International.

As a result of the growth in the audience more performers have come through to try comedy out which has seen a three or four-month waiting list to get a spot on the Red Raw bill.