Best Rural Retailer 2006

9th October 2006

The search is on to find Scotland's best rural retailer, 2006.

The Scottish Countryside Alliance is calling on members of the public from all corners of Scotland to nominate their favourite rural shop or business.

The SCA wants to hear about retailers who:

a.. Go the extra mile for their community
b.. Are ambassadors for local produce
c.. Keep the traditions of the countryside alive
d.. Have helped to revive their local community

There are four categories for nominees:

1. Best Local Food Retailer

2. Best Village Shop/ Post Office

3. Best Diversification

4. Best Traditional Business (Sponsored by The Daily Telegraph)

The winner of the Scottish contest will go through to the UK final organised by our sister organisation the Countryside Alliance.

Nominations are open now and close at the end of October. The regional winners will be announced in December and the four national winners will be named at the House of Lords in February 2007.

Last year's Scottish winner was Winston Churchill Venison from Argyll.

Tony Andrews, chief executive of the Scottish Countryside Alliance, said: "Rural retailers are the lifeblood of rural Scotland. Village and farm shops are at the vanguard of promoting Scottish food. They source and market the best of Scotland's produce and offer their customers outstanding choice and quality. These businesses may be small but they are incredibly innovative, while at the same time helping to sustain cherished cultural traditions.

"But they are not just businesses. It is often the village shop or post office that acts as the focal point for their local community. They are vital to the future of rural Scotland and this competition is a tribute to their contribution."

Get further information and make your nominations at
www.bestruralretailer.co.uk