CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has recently visited Martin Baird Butchers in Melrose which have been nominated for the Countryside Alliance’s Rural Oscar Awards.
The awards are an annual celebration of British food & farming, enterprise and heritage through small hard-working businesses.
The Rural Oscars are now in their seventeenth year and have become the definitive rural business award to win. They are set apart from other award schemes because they are driven by public nomination, offering customers the chance to share why their favourite businesses are worthy of national acclaim. The Rural Oscars received thousands of nominations this year, so Martin Baird Butchers have done extremely well to reach the regional final.
The owner of the business, Martin Baird, comes from a family who have farmed near Kelso for generations. There has been a renowned butcher operating on the site for over 100 years, which is a tradition that Martin is proud to continue. The butcher supplies free ranged eggs, homemade sausages and other locally sourced meat products from across Roxburghshire and Lauderdale.
Countryside Alliance Awards Director Sarah Lee commented: “We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year. The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services. They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”
Craig Hoy MSP said: “The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate those businesses that go the extra mile and are the cornerstone of our rural communities. Martin Baird Butchers’ achievement in reaching the regional finals is testament to the hard work and service they provide to their community. I will be following their progress with pride and will be championing their success.”
You can vote for Martin Baird Butchers online at: www.research.net/r/CAA24Scotweb
