MSP Jackie Baillie has thrown her support behind a local business, after it was shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The Inchmurrin Island Hotel is in with a chance of scooping an award in the Countryside Alliance Awards – known as the rural Oscars – after reaching the regional final.

Recognised as the annual celebration of British food and farming, the awards – now in their 18th year – also aim to recognise enterprise and heritage through small, hard-working businesses.

The Countryside Alliance awards rely on nominations from members of the public, offering customers the chance to recommend their favourite businesses.

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. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition.”

The Inchmurrin Island Hotel has done well to reach the regional final, after thousands of nominations were received.

Dumbarton constituency MSP, Jackie Baillie, added: “The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate those businesses that go the extra mile and are the cornerstone of our rural communities. Inchmurrin Island Hotel reaching the regional finals is testament to the hard work and service they provide to their community. I will be following their progress with pride and will be championing their success.”

The Scottish Final of the 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards will take place at the National Museum of Scotland on March 12th. Winners and Highly Commended businesses will be announced on the night.

More information about the awards can be found here: https://www.countryside-alliance.org/campaigns/countryside-alliance-awards