Scots funnyman Fred MacAulay has warned fellow comedians ahead of the start of the Edinburgh Fringe to ensure the joke is not on them when it comes to getting paid for their work.

MacAulay , who famously was an accountant before getting his break in comedy, said a lack of basic business understanding could be leaving comics undervalued and out of pocket.

In an interview on the s1jobs website, he said: “You should always be aware of your own worth.

“There’s recent trend for established comedians to do free gigs in the hope that someone might spot them and it’s good exposure.

“Try that with a joiner who’s coming to mend your front door!”

MacAulay, who has presented the MacAulay and Co on BBC Radio Scotland since 1997 as well as continuing to perform regular stand-up shows (including this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe), also provided important career advice in the s1jobs interview for would-be stand-ups.

He said: “Do what you can to get as much time on stage as possible. Inititally that might mean open, unpaid spots, but once you start getting paid you’ll appreciate the road miles you’ve put in.”

MacAulay first discovered his talent for comedy in 1988 when he performed at the Glasgow Mayfest ‘So You Think Your Funny’ contest.

Gavin Mochan, Head of Sales at s1jobs, said it was important people looking to start or grow a career followed Fred MacAulay’s message about the need to recognise your skills and to aim high.

Gavin said: “Fred has managed to hit the nail on the head with his advice.

“It is incredibly important that people recognise their own value and apply for roles which are suited to their skill set.

“At s1jobs we aim to ensure we can assist anyone looking for a new job such as guidance on handling interviews, writing a CV – as well as making it as easy as possible to access jobs information such as on mobiles and tablets.”

Fred MacAulay is performing a one man show at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe – The Frederendum, Assembly Rooms, George Street, July 31-August 24.

s1jobs is Scotland’s No 1 recruitment platform, attracting more than 600,000 users every month and is used by more than 2,000 companies, including Scotland’s top five Plcs.

s1 also operates websites in the property (s1homes), entertainment listings (s1play) and automotive (s1cars) markets.