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21 rural Scottish businesses shortlisted for prestigious Countryside Alliance awards

Twenty-one rural businesses from across Scotland have been shortlisted for prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards, after thousands of nominations from across the country were whittled down to a final few. 

Winners will be chosen via a public vote in January and announced at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on Wednesday 13 March 2024.

The winners of the Scottish final will go on to represent Scotland at the House of Lords in the national champions reception in June of 2024. 

The businesses are judged on a range of criteria including their passion and commitment, sense of community, championing local food and the energy and diversity of their business. 

The ‘Rural Oscars’- as they are commonly known – are now in their 17th year.

The awards celebrate rural businesses that go the extra mile, support their local economy and are the unsung heroes in every community. 

Being nominated for the Countryside Alliance Awards can have a real impact on rural businesses.

Most importantly, those businesses which go on to become finalists or champions will receive regional and national recognition, strengthening the reputation of their brand. 

There are five categories including, ‘best pub’, ‘best village shop/ post office’, ‘best butcher’, ‘best for local food a drink’ and the ‘rural enterprise award’. 

It’s now down to the general public to vote for their favourite rural businesses, which can be done via the Countryside Alliance website, here

The public can vote for one business in all of the categories, or for just one individual business in their respective category.   

Scottish Countryside Alliance Director Jake Swindells said:

“This year, we’ve received an abundance of nominations from the Scottish public, showcasing numerous outstanding businesses.

“Each business holds a meaningful story, and it’s vital to recognise and value them.

“What sets the Rural Oscars apart is their emphasis on honouring the individuals behind these businesses, rather than just their products or services.

“In a period of considerable uncertainty in the Scottish countryside, these awards offer a cause for celebration.

“The quality of our local produce is unparalleled, and there are numerous community heroes and businesses deserving of national acknowledgment.

“We urge everyone to participate in voting today.” 

The shortlisted Scottish businesses by category are as follows: 

Butcher 

D Gilmour Butchers, Perthshire 

Fostons Fine Meats, Berwickshire 

Donaldson Butcher Earlston, Scottish Borders 

Martin Baird, Scottish Borders 

Perthshire Game, Perthshire 

Local Food / Drink 

The Highlanders Bakehouse, Aberdeenshire 

Blackbull Hotel, Lauder, Scottish Borders 

Cairn O’Mohr, Perthshire 

The Tufted Duck Eatery, Perthshire 

Pub 

Black Bull Pub, Gartmore, Stirling  

The Grog and Gruel, Inverness-shire 

The Gordon Arms Bar & Kitchen, Berwickshire 

Bridge of Cally Hotel and Restaurant, Perthshire 

Rural Enterprise 

Scott Country International, Dumfries & Galloway 

Ardnamurchan distillery / Adelphi whisky, Argyll 

Mena-pause.com/UK’s first Bee therapy Pod/Herb Majesty, Perthshire 

Kinross Trout Fishery and Activity Centre, Perth & Kinross 

Village Shop / Post Office 

Muasdale Stores, Argyll 

Isle of Rum General Store, Highlands & Islands 

Laide Post Office General Store and Filling Station, Ross-shire 

Carfrae Farm Shop, East Lothian 

The link to vote, again, can be found here: Countryside Alliance Awards Scotland Survey (research.net) 

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