Dumfries and Galloway business, Galloway Chillies were among companies from across Scotland who celebrated their success at the Scottish Rural Awards & Gala Dinner last Thursday evening.

Galloway Chillies was founded in 2012 when owner Sheena Horner spotted a gap in her local food market. Galloway Chillies‘ achievements have gone from strength to strength over the past four years, including securing a place at the Rural Leaders Programme, a Scottish Enterprise initiative designed to foster promising rural businesses.

Speaking after the receiving the award, Sheena Horner told DGWGO:

I believe there are so many amazing rural businesses in Scotland who can offer diversity and unique qualities.  Having my own business recognised with a Highly Commended in the Artisan Food category was truly unexpected and an honour.

The event, held at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, is the culmination of a second year of partnership between Scottish Field and the Scottish Countryside Alliance to host the awards, which celebrate the innovation, dedication and enterprise of those living and working in rural Scotland.

Comedian Fred MacAulay took to the stage as compere for the evening, with his audience of 400 including representatives from the award sponsors, including Aldi and the Bank of Scotland.

Over 200 nominations have been received since 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.

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Galloway Chillies has also been –

• Placed second in the Speciality section of the Jam/Jelly Division of the World Hot Sauce Awards 2015.
• Shortlisted for the Great British Food Farm Produce Awards 2015
• Shortlisted in Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards 201
• Find out More on the Galloway Chillies website HERE