The team behind Gretna Green Ltd was yesterday presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category for ‘International Trade for outstanding growth in overseas sales’.
Dumfries Lord Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong handed over the sought after trophy and praised the fourth generation company, run by the Houston family.
She said: “On behalf of Her Majesty, I am delighted to present this prestigious award to one of Dumfries and Galloway’s most well-known businesses.
“Gretna Green is an iconic site. The company employs hundreds of local people and has helped to put this part of Dumfries and Galloway firmly on the tourist map.”
Gretna Green Ltd chairman Alasdair Houston thanked his team for their part in earning the honour and said: “This prestigious award belongs to all my colleagues at all levels and in all divisions in our family business, whose talents, commitment and loyalty I appreciate and for which I am grateful every day.
“I love Gretna Green, and Dumfries and Galloway, and I thank all of our customers, at home and overseas, for supporting the quality brand of ‘Gretna Green.”
There were also congratulations from Cllr Rob Davidson, depute leader at Dumfries and Galloway Council, who said: “I am delighted that businesses in our region are being recognised by the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
“I congratulate all of the staff of Gretna Green Ltd in winning this most prestigious award, during which we have experienced a covid pandemic, and the most difficult trading conditions for businesses.”
Gretna Green Ltd was founded in 1885 and as well as its physical site, also comprises an ecommerce platform, Gretna Green Online Shopping, which exports a range of Scottish and UK products, from food, cashmere, gifts, clothing, clan and highland wear, to over 55 countries worldwide.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK business, designed to recognise and encourage outstanding achievements in the fields of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity.
- Pictured above, Fiona Armstrong, left, presents the award to Susan Houston
