2020 Scottish Rural Awards open for nominations

August 23, 2019 | Outdoors

Nominations for the 2020 Scottish Rural Awards are now open, with businesses across Scotland’s countryside encouraged to get involved.

The ultimate benchmark of success in Scotland’s countryside, the Scottish Rural Awards are now in their sixth year and are partnered by Scottish Field and the Scottish Countryside Alliance.

The categories are open for nominations, including the coveted Rural Hero award, which recognises those whose contributions to their rural communities have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Richard Bath, editor of Scottish Field, said: ‘Showing our readers the joys of the Scottish countryside is one of the main aims of Scottish Field, so our partnership with the awards is a perfect fit.

‘More than ever before, Scotland’s rural communities are displaying a remarkable amount of energy, innovation and imagination as they diversify existing businesses and create new and exciting opportunities from scratch.

‘As a magazine, Scottish Field is constantly writing about the rural entrepreneurs who are bringing wealth and jobs to the countryside, so it’s exciting for us to be able to honour the men and women who are doing so much to make the economy of rural Scotland a true success story.’

Businesses have until 4 November to put their nomination forward. Businesses can either self-nominate, or be nominated by a friend, family member, customer or member of the public.

The full list of awards categories and criteria, along with nomination forms, are available from the Scottish Rural Awards website – www.scottishruralawards.org. There is no cost associated with making a nomination.

Jamie Stewart of the Scottish Countryside Alliance said: ‘Land-based businesses contribute over £2billion to the Scottish economy.

‘Despite the multiple challenges they face, they are hugely valuable brand ambassadors for Scotland, and many provide vital support to their local communities. These awards give Scotland a chance to recognise the resilience, innovation and contribution that rurally-based people and businesses make to its success.’

There’s no time like the present to enter your nomination for the Scottish Rural Awards 2020! There are so many awards this year, which one will be yours? https://www.scottishruralawards.org/categories/

The full list of categories is –

Best Scottish Artisan Food Award

Best Scottish Artisan Drink Award

Rural Business Diversification Award

Best Rural Business Start-Up Award

Best Farming Business Award

Best Rural Employer Award

Rural Hospitality Award

Best Rural Innovation Award

Best Rural Skills Educator Award

Most Sustainable Rural Business Award

Best Rural Tourism Initiative Award