Yesterday (20 May), Scottish Countryside Alliance held its annual Scottish ‘Rural Oscars’ awards ceremony, where several rural businesses from Scotland were crowned champions.

The Countryside Alliance Awards – now in their 19th year – recognise rural businesses across five categories, including ‘best local food’, ‘best butcher’, ‘best pub’, ‘best rural enterprise’, and ‘best village shop/ post office’. These businesses go the extra mile within their communities, supporting the local economy and championing local goods and services.

Thousands of nominations from around the country were whittled down via a public vote, with the final few being honoured at the Scottish finalists’ awards ceremony at the National Museum of Scotland, in Edinburgh.

The awards were presented by Jake Swindells, director of Scottish Countryside Alliance, and respected author, journalist and solicitor David McKie. The event was attended by a number of MSPs.

The winner of each category will go on to represent Scotland in the national champions reception at the House of Lords in July, competing against other finalists from Wales, Northern Ireland, and England.

Jake Swindells, Director of Scottish Countryside Alliance said:

"The Countryside Alliance Awards were created to recognise the people and businesses that are vital to rural life, those whose contribution often goes above and beyond and deserves to be properly celebrated.

“What makes these awards particularly meaningful is that every finalist has been nominated by their own community. The finalists are here because people took the time to say that what they do matters, and that is something to be very proud of.

“So tonight, we recognise their dedication, their commitment, and the role they play in supporting rural communities across Scotland.”

The Scottish winners of the 2026 Countryside Alliance Awards are:

BUTCHER

Champion – Briggsy’s Quality Butchers, Jedburgh

A superb example of modern rural butchery rooted in traditional skills and local values. The judges were impressed by the business’s commitment to high welfare, locally sourced produce and its strong support for farmers and producers through a ‘farm to fork’ approach, sourcing products through the local weekly market. Praised by customers for both quality and service, this business has become a valued part of the local community while helping promote the region’s food heritage and rural economy. Through community engagement and an active social media presence, the business also helps educate customers about food provenance and the importance of skilled independent butchery, telling a positive story about rural Scotland. This business has grown at the hands of someone who has truly worked from the bottom up, achieving Apprentice of the Year before being named Scottish Under 22s Butcher of the Year, which lead him to complete with the GB Butchers Team in 2018. 

Highly Commended – Castle Game, Linlithgow

A standout example of specialist game butchery, recognised for its exceptional quality, provenance-led sourcing and strong links with local estates and gamekeepers. Customer feedback consistently praises the outstanding venison, game birds and seasonal produce, alongside knowledgeable service and practical cooking advice. The business is highly regarded for its commitment to sustainability, traceability and championing Scotland’s natural larder, supplying retail and hospitality customers, including small scale food trucks and Michelin Star restaurants. Judges noted its role in strengthening rural supply chains and promoting ethical sourcing and high welfare standards. By combining traditional skills with a modern, professional operation, this business helps bring Scottish game to a wider audience.

LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK

Champion – The Coo Shed, Corton

An outstanding example of a rural business that champions local food and drink in its locality. Judges were impressed by its passionate commitment to sourcing and showcasing high-quality Scottish produce, with strong links to local farmers and suppliers clearly evident in customer reviews and community feedback. The business has helped put the area firmly on the map as a destination for exceptional food, contributing meaningfully to the local economy and rural tourism. Praised on social media for its warmth, consistency and quality, it blends modern hospitality with a deep respect for local provenance, helping preserve and promote Scotland’s food heritage while telling a positive story about rural enterprise and community life. As hardworking farmers rooted in tradition, the team take pride in using the farms fresh milk to create honest, quality produce—straight from farm to table.

Highly Commended – The River Bothy, Berriedale

This business has a strong commitment to championing Scottish produce and celebrating the surrounding natural larder. Customer reviews consistently praise its warm hospitality, beautifully prepared dishes and use of locally sourced ingredients that reflect the seasons and landscape of the far north. The business plays an important role in supporting small producers and attracting visitors to a remote rural area, helping to strengthen the local economy. Notably, it is a 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice winner, placing it within the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

PUB

Champion – The Blackadder Bar and Restaurant, Greenlaw

Recognised as a true heart of its local community, judges were impressed by its strong sense of belonging, with menus and drinks that showcase local produce and reflect the character of its surrounding area. Customer reviews consistently highlight warm hospitality, quality food and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors. The pub plays a key role in supporting the local economy and strengthening community life, acting as a vital social hub. The team here have created a dynamic, modern approach while retaining traditional pub values, helping to keep it relevant and thriving in a challenging hospitality environment.

Highly Commended – The Gordon Arms, Gordon

A standout example of a rural community pub operating at the very heart of their local village. Run with dedication and warmth by the owners, the pub has created a welcoming space where residents and visitors can come together to enjoy excellent hospitality, locally sourced food and a genuine sense of belonging.  The team regularly hosts live music, quiz nights and community events that bring people together throughout the year. They have also supported local fundraising initiatives, Civic Week activities and local sports clubs, helping secure the future of the village sports field.  This establishment embodies everything a rural pub should be - welcoming, resilient and community-focused.

RURAL ENTERPRISE

Champion – Fine Feathers, Oxnam

A vibrant and imaginative rural enterprise demonstrating real energy, diversity and growth beyond its core creative services. Judges were impressed by the breadth of activity, including bespoke design work, community engagement and collaboration with other local businesses, all contributing to a wider creative economy in the countryside. Customers told us that this business has a passionate commitment to quality, originality and personal service, with strong support for small-scale rural enterprise. The business enhances its local area by promoting creativity, supporting local networks and contributing to the vibrancy of the rural economy. This award recognises its role as a growing rural asset with clear long-term value for community, jobs and the wider countryside economy. 

Highly Commended – Scotlands Outdoor Centre, Sorbie

Scotlands Outdoor Centre has been recognised for its dynamic and multifaceted contribution to rural life. Judges were impressed by the breadth of activity beyond its core outdoor offering, including training, education, group experiences and wider community engagement that supports wellbeing and access to the countryside. It is clear to us that this is a passionate, knowledgeable team delivering high-quality outdoor learning experiences rooted in Scotland’s landscapes. The business plays a valuable role in encouraging participation in rural activities, supporting skills development and promoting the benefits of the outdoors. It stands out as a growing rural asset with clear social value, helping to strengthen community connections and the long-term future of rural enterprise.

VILLAGE SHOP & POST OFFICE

Champion – Brown’s Tobermory, Tobermory

Brown’s holds an outstanding role at the heart of island community life. Judges were impressed by the business’s strong commitment to service, local identity and supporting residents in a remote rural setting where the village shop plays a vital everyday role. The shop champions local produce and Scottish goods while helping connect both residents and visitors with the wider community. More than simply a retailer, it acts as an essential hub offering reliability, warmth and continuity for the island. Its dedication to community spirit, rural resilience and local enterprise makes it an inspiring example of the importance of village shops in sustaining rural Scotland. This is a business that keeps its community going. 

Highly Commended – Lochcarron Food Centre, Lochcarron

This business plays a vital role serving both the local community and visitors in a remote Highland setting. Judges were impressed by the business’s strong commitment to local produce, community service and supporting everyday rural life. The shop provides far more than groceries, acting as an important hub where residents can access essential services and connect with one another. Its focus on Scottish and locally sourced products helps champion regional producers while strengthening the rural economy. Through resilience, reliability and genuine community spirit, it stands as an excellent example of the enduring importance of rural village shops in Scotland.