Every vote counts as Gordon Castle Walled Garden makes awards finals
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GORDON Castle Walled Garden has been shortlisted for a Countryside Alliance Award in the rural enterprise category – and needs the public's help to triumph.
The awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food and farming, enterprise, and heritage through small, hard-working businesses.
The Fochabers-based walled garden was one of 17,000 entries from across the country to the competition. At almost eight acres in size, it is one of the oldest and largest kitchen gardens in Britain and has been lovingly restored to its former glory by Angus and Zara Gordon Lennox over the last 10 years with help from world famous designer Arne Maynard.
It serves fresh produce grown in the garden and the shop sells luxury products, including award-winning botanical gin and a bath and body collection, all inspired by the garden and wider estate.
Mr Gordon Lennox said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted by the Countryside Alliance for their rural enterprise ‘Oscar’.
"We are so grateful for the way the Alliance champions businesses like ours in rural Britain and are honoured to have caught their eye. The result now rests in the hands of a public ballot and so we are asking that all those who know us, and like what we do, to vote for us enthusiastically.
"It will mean a huge amount for our small Scottish business and all those who work and volunteer here.”
Voting closes on January 29, and votes can be cast at www.countryside-alliance.org/caawards
The winners will be unveiled at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh on Thursday, February 2 and will go on to represent Scotland at the House of Lords in the national champions reception in May.
The awards are now in their sixteenth 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 outline why their favourite businesses are worthy of national acclaim.
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. These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside.
"Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”
