Jamie Greene backs Arran whisky for rural award
Jamie Greene MSP, the Conservative member for the West of Scotland, has nominated the Isle of Arran Distillery for the prestigious Scottish Rural Awards 2017.
At a reception in the Scottish Parliament last week, nominations for the awards officially were opened. A mini ‘ballot booth’ was set up for MSPs and guests to submit some early submissions. There are 10 categories including artisan drinks, which will face fierce com- petition from Scotland’s boom in craft gins.
Mr Greene officially registered his vote for the Arran Distillery for this category citing that ‘it was a great example of a small, industrious, ambitious island community business which had seen excellent growth and had ambitious plans for expansion and export’.
He added: ‘I visited the distillery before my election and was taken aback by not only the quality of the product itself – I am yet to try its latest vintage and am looking forward to doing so – but also the whole visitor experience. It is a wonderful, well-structured programme.
‘I am really pleased to learn about their expansion plans and proud to support this fine local business in these prestigious awards which recognise the importance of the rural economy and small business in Scotland.’
Nominations close on Friday October 14 and the local MSP has urged all residents of the west of Scotland to get behind the campaign to recognise Arran Whisky as a potential category winner by getting online and voting. Nominations are still open for a range of other categories, including business diversification, rural tourism and hospitality, agriculture, food, and the environment.
The Scottish Rural Awards, partnered by the Arran Banner’s sister publication, Scottish Field magazine and the Scottish Countryside Alliance, are the ultimate benchmark of excellence in rural Scotland. They celebrate the true industry, innovation, dedication and community spirit of those who live and work in our wonderful countryside.
The awards culminate with a black tie ceremony and gala dinner, which will take place at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on Thursday March 16 next year.