FIVE stellar Borders businesses have been nominated for what have been dubbed Scotland’s ‘Rural Oscars’.

Twenty-one rural businesses from across Scotland have been shortlisted for prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards, after thousands of nominations from across the country were whittled down to a final few.

The businesses are judged on a range of criteria including their passion and commitment, sense of community, championing local food and the energy and diversity of their business.

Winners will be chosen via a public vote and announced at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on Wednesday, March 13.

The winners of the Scottish final will go on to represent Scotland at the House of Lords in the national champions reception in June of 2024.

In the ‘best butchers’ section three Borders outlets are shortlisted – Duns-based Fostons Fine Meats, Donaldsons in Earlston and and Melrose-based Martin Baird.

For the ‘local food/drink’ category the Black Bull Hotel at Lauder is nominated with the Gordon Arms Bar and Kitchen in Gordon a nominee in the ‘best pub’ section.

The ‘Rural Oscars’ – as they are commonly known – is now in its 17th year.

The awards celebrate rural businesses that go the extra mile, support their local economy and are the unsung heroes in every community.

Being nominated for the Countryside Alliance Awards can have a real impact on rural businesses. Most importantly, those businesses which go on to become finalists or champions will receive regional and national recognition, strengthening the reputation of their brand.

There are five categories including, ‘best pub’, ‘best village shop/ post office’, ‘best butcher’, ‘best for local food a drink’ and the ‘rural enterprise award’.

It’s now down to the general public to vote for their favourite rural businesses, which can be done via the Countryside Alliance website. The public can vote for one business in all of the categories, or for just one individual business in their respective category.

Scottish Countryside Alliance director Jake Swindells said: “This year, we’ve received an abundance of nominations from the Scottish public, showcasing numerous outstanding businesses.

“Each business holds a meaningful story, and it’s vital to recognise and value them. What sets the Rural Oscars apart is their emphasis on honouring the individuals behind these businesses, rather than just their products or services. In a period of considerable uncertainty in the Scottish countryside, these awards offer a cause for celebration.

“The quality of our local produce is unparalleled, and there are numerous community heroes and businesses deserving of national acknowledgement. We urge everyone to participate in voting today.”