Categories include best artisan food, best artisan drink, best rural business start up, best farming business, rural hospitality, rural innovation, rural skills and rural employer. There’s also a rural hero award and a lifetime achievement award and new for this year is a best countryside digital innovator award. The competition is aimed at small and medium-sized Scottish businesses, with a deadline of November 4 for entries and an awards ceremony next spring.
Jamie Stewart, of co-organisers the Scottish Countryside Alliance, said: “Land-based businesses contribute over £2 billion to the Scottish economy. Despite the multiple challenges they face, they are hugely valuable brand ambassadors for Scotland, and many provide vital support to their local communities. These awards give Scotland a chance to recognise the resilience, innovation and contribution that rurally-based people and businesses make to its success.”
