Award-winning restaurateur joins Scottish Rural Awards judging panel
The Scottish Rural Awards are delighted to announce that Shirley Spear OBE, Chair of the Scottish Foods Commission and founder of The Three Chimneys restaurant at Colbost on the Isle of Skye, is joining the judging panel.
The Scottish Rural Awards are delighted to announce that Shirley Spear OBE, Chair of the Scottish Foods Commission and founder of The Three Chimneys restaurant at Colbost on the Isle of Skye, is joining the judging panel.
The 2017 Scottish Rural Awards are now open for nominations, with businesses across Scotland vying for awards in 11 categories, including the Rural Hero Award which recognises those whose contribution to their rural community has gone above and beyond the call of duty.
The awards, now in their third year, are partnered by Scottish Field and the Scottish Countryside Alliance and backed by a host of category sponsors, including Aldi, the Bank of Scotland and the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.
Mrs Spear said she was delighted to have been asked to judge the awards. She said:
“Scottish food and drink has been a real success story of the past 10 years, exceeding all targets and is set to do so for the future.”
“The industry is particularly important to rural Scotland, as it encompasses a large number of small businesses that are based in small communities and use local produce.
“Initiatives like the Scottish Rural Awards are a great way to support those small businesses and help them feel a valued part of Scottish industry.”
Brian Cameron, Scottish Field, said:
“As a passionate ambassador for all that the Scottish Rural Awards stand for, Shirley is a very welcome addition to the judging panel for the third year of the awards.”
Jamie Stewart, Scottish Countryside Alliance, said:
“Land-based businesses contribute over £2 billion to the Scottish economy and 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.
“Shirley was the recipient of the SRA Lifetime Achievement award at last year’s awards, and we are delighted that she will boost our judging panel for the 2017 awards.”
The public and businesses have until Friday 14 October to make their nominations, with forms and criteria available to download from the Scottish Rural Awards website.
Finalists will be announced at the end of November, with winners revealed at the Scottish Rural Awards gala dinner in March 2017.
For further information, please contact Jamie Stewart on 01890 818554/07825 736903 or jamie-stewart@countryside-alliance.org
Pictured: Shirley Spear receiving the lifetime achievement award at last year’s Scottish Rural Awards