Businesses and communities across Scotland’s countryside are set to take part in a search for the country’s Rural Hero of 2008. They will be making their nominations for the title as part of the popular annual Scottish Countryside Alliance Awards.
Each year the awards have been made applicable only to the best rural retailers, but they have now been expanded to allow more people, businesses and communities to nominate deserving individuals a series of categories which go to the heart of living and working in the Scottish countryside.
The awards were launched at the Scottish Parliament by Alex Johnstone MSP as part of Scottish Food Fortnight.
Said Mr Johnstone: “These awards represent an excellent way to highlight the many success stories to be found in Scotland’s countryside. From enterprising businesses to individuals committed to serving their communities, there are many new developments which deserve our attention. Over the next few months we will no doubt find there are many rural heroes in Scotland.”
Geva Blackett, chief executive of the Scottish Countryside Alliance (SCA) said: “There is so much going on in rural Scotland which is positive, exciting and important. We want to highlight the people and businesses that are not only having a beneficial impact in the countryside but on the nation as a whole.
“As well as looking for a Rural Hero we have a number of interesting categories. They will enable people and companies big and small to help spotlight the variety of excellent work which is being done in their communities.”
The categories include Rural Hero 2008; Local Food Award; Village Shop/ Post Office Award; Rural Enterprise Award; Daily Telegraph Best Traditional Business Award.
The winners of the Scottish Countryside Alliance Awards will be announced in January and will each go forward to a UK-wide final which will be held in the House of Lords in March 2009.
