Argyll enterprises among the best in rural business

NO FEWER than nine Argyll businesses are among the finalists in the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards.

The awards showcase the enterprise, skill and innovation of those who live and work in rural areas.

Categories

A shortlist spanning 10 categories celebrates all aspects of rural life – from artisan food and tourism, to education, conservation and agriculture.

Shortlisted in the Business Start-Up category, open to companies trading for less than two years, are Lord of the Isles at Craobh Haven, Craine Communications in Oban, and creative agency Brandfire, based in Campbeltown.

The Wee Isle Dairy, on the Isle of Gigha, has made the finals in both the Business Start-Up and Artisan Food categories.

Cologin Chalets and the Barn Bar, by Oban, and the Puffer Bar and Restaurant at Easdale have been shortlisted in the Rural Hospitality category, while the Oban Winter Festival has been shortlisted for a Rural Tourism award.

Shortlisted

Joining them is the Oban Phoenix Cinema, which is a finalist in the Rural Enterprise category, and the Farm Stall in Bellochantuy, which has been shortlisted in the Agriculture category.

Now in their third year, the Scottish Rural Awards are partnered by Scottish Field and the Scottish Countryside Alliance and backed by a number of sponsors for 2017, including Aldi, the Bank of Scotland and Subaru.

More than 200 nominations for businesses were made since launching at the beginning of August, spanning locations from the Outer Hebrides to the Borders, and Shetland to Fife.

Those who have made special contributions to the Scottish countryside will also be honoured with two separate accolades – the Rural Hero award and the Lifetime Achievement award.

Unveiled

The winners will be unveiled at the Scottish Rural Awards and gala dinner on March 16 at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. Richard Bath, editor of

Scottish Field, commented: ‘More than ever before, Scotland’s rural communities are displaying a quite remarkable amount of energy, innovation and imagination as they diversify existing businesses and create new and exciting opportunities from scratch.’