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)
