The 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards are now open to public nomination, and Martin Whitfield MSP is urging people in South Scotland to get nominating.
These awards, nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars’, celebrate people going the extra mile to ensure that our rural food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills, forward-thinking enterprises and, most of all, its communities, can flourish.
South Scotland has enjoyed success at the awards in the past, with Carfrae Farm Shop being Highly Commended at this year’s awards and the Humbie Hub winning in the Village Shop & Post Office category last year.
Martin Whitfield MSP said:
“These awards are an excellent way to promote the local businessmen and women who are working hard to keep our rural communities thriving. East Lothian’s local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition, so I’m urging the public to get involved and nominate someone from their area today.”
The Awards run across the following categories:
- Local Food Award
- Village shop/ Post Office Award
- Rural Enterprise Award
- Butcher Award
- Rural Pub Award
Nominations for the awards are open online at www.countryside-alliance.org/awards until 17 November. Judging will then take place and national winners will be announced at the House of Lords in spring 2025.