Scottish Rural Awards for two Hebridean Businesses

Stornoway-based An Lanntair arts centre (pictured) took the Runner Up position in the Education category, whilst Salar Smokehouse at The Pier, South Uist, is Runner Up in the Rural Enterprise category.

The judging panel commended An Lanntair for its diverse arts and education programmes, which, they felt, ‘provide new ways of engaging, learning and participating and, in doing so, lay the foundations for future generations to understand their potential.’

The judges also applauded Salar Smokehouse’s founder Iain MacRury, who relaunched the Salar brand in 2015 after buying the Loch Carnan smokehouse to protect it from closure.

The panel praised Mr MacRury for ‘saving a successful Hebridean company from extinction and securing vital jobs’.

Over 200 nominations were received when the awards opened to the public last September, spanning the Outer Hebrides to the Borders, and Shetland to Fife.

Judging took place at the end of January to select a winner, runner-up and highly commended in each of the ten open award categories, encompassing every aspect of rural life, from aquaculture to agriculture, tourism and food and drink.