Bakers win at rural awards
And Big County firms perform well
Dougie Vipond with Matteo Serpi, John Castley and Caroline Rodgers from Wild Hearth Bakery A Perthshire business picked up a prize at the Scottish Rural Awards.
Wild Hearth Bakery in Comrie won the artisan food category.
Judges praised the bakery’s natural ingredients, artisan production methods and focus on sustainability.
The bakery was one of several Perth businesses and organisations that were honoured on the night.
Stewart Tower Dairy, based in Stanley, picked up a highly commended award in the artisan food category for their ice cream.
Breadalbane Academy in Aberfeldy received a highly commended award in the education category .
The judging panel were impressed by their rural skills course, which helps children learn a variety of outdoor activities.
Other finalists from Perthshire
Breadalbane Academy’s Douglas Woodrow and Peter Butler receive their award included Dalrannoch Brewing Co in Meikleour (artisan drink), Errichel Farm in Aberfeldy (artisan food, rural hospitality and business diversification), Horn Imports in The Horn of Errol (business diversification), Morrison’s Academy in Crieff (education), Forest Holidays in Callander (rural employer), Heaven Scent and Victus Consultancy in Milnathort (rural employer), Craigatin House in Pitlochry (rural hospitality) and Venachar Lochside in Callander (rural hospitality).
Four Perthshire nominees were put forward for the Rural Hero Award: catering entrepreneur Andrew Scott, based in Milnathort; tourism expert Kim Proven, based in Lochearnhead; craft butchers Hunters of Kinross; and medical campaigners The Sandpiper Trust, based in Aberuthven.
The Scottish Rural Awards highlight the enterprise, skill and innovation of those who live and work in rural areas.
They are hosted by Scottish Field and the Scottish Countryside Alliance in association with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.
Broadcaster Dougie Vipond was compere at the ceremony in Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh.
Richard Bath, editor of Scottish Field, said: “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.”
Jamie Stewart, director of 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.”