Scottish Rural Awards We look back at the second annual Scottish Rural Awards, which culminated with a glittering award ceremony at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh

We were delighted to partner the 2016 Scottish Rural Awards along with the Scottish Countryside Alliance. A celebration of the innovation, dedication and enterprise of those living and working in rural Scotland, the award ceremony and gala dinner, held at Dynamic Earth on 31 March, brought together nearly 400 of the great and the good of Scotland’s countryside.

More than 200 nominations were received since the awards opened to the public last September, spanning the Outer Hebrides to the Borders, Shetland and Fife, and from all walks of life - from aquaculture to artisan food producers, enterprise and education.

Judging the winners proved to be an incredibly difficult process, with our panel of seven judges inspired by the scale of entrepreneurial talent on show.

As well as the businesses that were honoured with awards in each of the 10 open categories, two very special accolades were presented to those who have made a contribution to rural life that goes above and beyond the call of duty. Toby and Mary Fichtner-Irvine, who have played key roles in developing the Isle of Muck, were jointly presented with the Rural Hero award, whilst the Lifetime Achievement accolade was presented to chef and businesswoman Shirley Spear of The Three Chimneys in Dunvegan, Skye.

‘Judging the winners proved to be an incredibly difficult process’

The winners, runnersup and highly commended businesses proudly show off their awards.

IMAGE