Success for farming businesses at 2017 Scottish Rural Awards

A number of farming businesses are celebrating following wins at the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards.

Award categories encompass every aspect of rural life, from agriculture and food production, to conservation, education and tourism.

Overall winners announced on the 16 March included Charley and Andrea Walker of Barnside Farm near Duns in the Agriculture category, with Hugh Grierson Organic as the Runner Up and precision agriculture specialists SoilEssentials Highly Commended; Ogilvy Spirits, based at Hatton of Ogilvy Farm by Glamis, Angus, were Runner Up in the Conservation and the Environment category, with the judging panel praising the innovative farming methods used by founders Graeme and Caroline Jarron to produce crop for their 100% traceable potato vodka.

The Scottish Rural Awards are the ultimate benchmark of success in Scotland's countryside, highlighting the enterprise, skill and innovation of those who live and work in rural areas and  are the culmination of a third year of partnership between Scottish Field and the Scottish Countryside Alliance to host the awards, in association with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), backed by sponsors including Aldi, the Bank of Scotland and Subaru UK.

Those who have made special contributions to the Scottish countryside were honoured with two separate accolades - the Rural Hero Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Rural Hero award was presented to the crew of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance for their vital life-saving work carried out across the country, while the Lifetime Achievement accolade was awarded to Sam Morshead, for his services to racing and to charity.

Richard Bath, Editor of Scottish Field, commented:

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

Jamie Stewart, Director of the Scottish Countryside Alliance, added:

"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."

Go to the Scottish Rural Awards website to see a list of all the winners.