Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed the news that several rural businesses from the South Scotland region are among the finalists in this year’s Countryside Alliance Awards.
The Awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food and farming, enterprise and heritage through our small hard-working businesses. The Rural Oscars are now in their 18th year and have become the definitive rural business award to win.
They are set apart from other award schemes because they are driven by public nomination, offering customers the chance to tell us why their favourite businesses are worthy of national acclaim.
Martin Whitfield MSP said:
“The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate businesses at the heart of our rural communities and economies. I’m delighted that so many South Scotland based businesses are finalists this year.
“Seeing so many local businesses in the Scotland finals is testament to their hard work and the excellence of the service they provide to their local communities. I will be following their progress with pride and hope to see one of them go on to win in March.”
Countryside Alliance Awards Director Sarah Lee said:
“We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year. The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services.
“They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”
The Scottish Final of the 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards will take place at the National Museum of Scotland on the 12 March. Winners and Highly Commended businesses will be announced on the night.
More information about the awards can be found at https://www.countryside-alliance.org/campaigns/countryside-alliance-awards