Douglas Alexander MP has welcomed the news that Carfrae Farm Shop and Humbie Hub are finalists in this year’s Countryside Alliance Awards.

The Awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food and farming, enterprise and heritage through our small hard-working businesses. The Rural Oscars are now in their 18^th 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 tell us why their favourite businesses are worthy of national acclaim. The Rural Oscars received thousands of nominations this year, so these businesses have done extremely well to reach the regional final.

Douglas Alexander MP said:

“The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate those businesses that go the extra mile and are the cornerstone of our rural communities. Reaching the regional finals is testament to the hard work and service that Carfrae Farm Shop and Humbie Hub provide to their communities.

“I will be following their progress with pride and urge East Lothian residents to vote for the finalist they would like to see win a Rural Oscar this year.”

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 public can vote for their favourite finalists at https://www.research.net/r/CAA25Scotpolitcal. Voting is open from Monday 20 January and closes on Sunday 23 February.

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

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