Forfar restaurant in line for 'Rural Oscar'

Sinclair’s Kitchen, just outside Forfar, is one of 21 rural businesses from across Scotland to be shortlisted for prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards, after thousands of nominations were whittled down to a final few.

The winners of the five categories will be chosen via a public vote, which is being held this month, and will be announced at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on Thursday, February 2.

The winners of the Scottish final will go on to represent Scotland at the House of Lords in the national champions’ reception on May 17.

The shortlisted businesses will be judged on a range of criteria including their passion and commitment, sense of community, championing of local food and suppliers and the energy and diversity of their business.

Sinclair’s Kitchen has been shortlisted in the Rural Food/Drink category.

Sponsored by Howden Insurance Services, the ‘Rural Oscars’, as they are commonly known, are now in their 16th year and celebrate rural businesses that go the extra mile, support their local economy and are the unsung heroes in every community.

Being nominated for the awards can have a real impact on rural businesses, with those businesses which become finalists or champions receiving regional and national recognition.

There are five categories including, ‘best pub’, ‘best village shop/ post office’, ‘best butcher’, ‘best for local food a drink’ and the ‘rural enterprise award’.

It is now down to the general public to vote for their favourite rural businesses, which can be done via the Countryside Alliance website.

The public can vote for one business in all categories, or for just one individual business in their respective category.

Jake Swindells, Scottish Countryside Alliance director, said: “We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year, with so many worthy businesses being sent in by the Scottish public.

" Every business has an important story to tell and it’s so important that is recognised.”

Votes can be cast online at https://www.research.net/r/AwardsScotland.