BERWICKSHIRE BUSINESSES THROUGH TO SCOTTISH FINAL OF RETAILER AWARDS

5.21.53pm GMT Wed 14th Nov 2007

Local MP Michael Moore has expressed his delight at the news that three local businesses in Berwickshire are in contention to be the Scottish winners of the Countryside Alliance's Best Rural Retailer Awards.

Mr Moore had encouraged nominations from the region for the high-profile awards, which are designed to recognise and celebrate the UK's small independent retailers. And he is delighted that three of our local businesses have now been short-listed for the Scottish awards.

The three local businesses up for awards are: Cockburnspath Post Office, which has been short listed in the Best Village Shop/Post Office category; St Vedas Hotel in Coldingham, which has been short listed in the Best Diversification category; and Borders Fayre in Duns, which has been short listed for the Best Local Food award.

Commenting after the shortlists were announced, Mr Moore said:

"I am delighted that these three local businesses have been chosen to go forward to the Scottish final of these national awards. More than 2,500 nominations were received for this year's awards, the highest number ever, so the fact that these businesses have got through is a testament to the quality of the services that they provide.

"There is a real diversity of rural businesses in Berwickshire and I take my hat off to them all. We should take this opportunity to celebrate our local shops, post offices, and independent producers and offer our support to them as they face the challenges of running a rural business."

The Scottish winners will be announced in December and will then go forward to compete for the UK title of Best Rural Retailer. All regional winners will attend a reception in the House of Lords on 6 February 2008.