Loch Duart, which produces around 5,200 tonnes of salmon annually, has been shortlisted for a Rural Business Award. Photo: Loch Duart

Loch Duart makes Rural Awards shortlist

Sutherland and Hebrides salmon farmer Loch Duart has been shortlisted in the Best Rural Food category for the North area of the UK-wide Rural Business Awards.

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Alban Denton: "Fantastic endorsement".

The awards recognise businesses operating across the rural sector, celebrating achievements from engineering through to artisan food producers and professional services organisations.

Loch Duart managing director, Alban Denton, said: “Loch Duart’s identity is completely wrapped up in the beautiful rural locations in which we farm our salmon.

“The North of Scotland is synonymous with some of the best food and drink in Britain, so to be shortlisted for the ‘Best Rural Food Award’ in this competition is a fantastic endorsement for Loch Duart. We look forward to meeting other Highland businesses at the awards in October and celebrating our vital rural economy.”

Vital contributions

The other finalists in Loch Duart’s category are Country Puddings Ltd, Cumbria; Cranstons Quality Butchers, Cumbria; online butchers Farmison and Co, North Yorkshire; and Side Oven Bakery, East Yorkshire.

The Rural Business Awards acknowledge and celebrate the vital contributions made by companies to the development and success of the rural sector and way of life. Winners are decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, official agencies and rural charitable organisations.

North area award winners will be announced at a regional awards ceremony at the Last Drop Village in Bolton, Lancashire, on Tuesday, October 9. The winners go on to the 2018/19 national final held in February 2019.