Borders businesses won big in the 2024 Scottish Countryside Alliance awards, dubbed the ‘rural Oscars’ by organisers.
Lauder’s Black Bull won best local food and drink, the Gordon Arms won best pub, and Foston’s Fine Meats in Duns won the award for best butcher.
Local MP John Lamont said the trio of victories demonstrated that the Borders was home to the best food and drink in the country.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said the winners will "represent Scotland proudly" as they go on to the next round, where they will compete against finalists from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The winning businesses were presented with their awards on Wednesday 13 March at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Each winner beat thousands of other Scottish businesses to their award.
Scottish Borders MP, John Lamont, said: “This trio of tremendous wins demonstrates that the Borders is home to the best food and drink in the country.
“Congratulations to each winner. These awards are well-deserved recognition for the incredible amount of hard work and dedication that goes into running their businesses.
“Here’s hoping that these Borders businesses can go on to win the UK-wide competition."
Scottish Borders MSP, Rachael Hamilton, said: "Well done to these brilliant Borders businesses.
“We can now say for sure that the Borders has the best pub, the best butcher and the best local produce anywhere in Scotland.
"I know these local businesses will represent Scotland proudly in the next round and I wish them the best of luck as they compete against the other finalists from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
More information about each award is available here: https://www.countryside-alliance.org/campaigns/countryside-alliance-awards/rural-businesses-honoured-at-scottish-countryside-alliance-awards-reception
