Alyn Smith MP Praises Stirling Finalist in Countryside Alliance Awards
Local Stirling MP Alyn Smith is delighted to throw his support behind the fantastic Black Bull pub in Gartmore, in the running for a prestigious ‘Rural Oscar’ as part of the Countryside Alliance Awards.
The Awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of food & farming across the UK, supporting enterprise and heritage through small, hard-working businesses. The Rural Oscars are now in their seventeenth 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 say why their favourite businesses are worthy of national acclaim. The Rural Oscars received thousands of nominations this year, so the Black Bull has done extremely well to reach the regional final.
Alyn Smith MP said:
‘The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate those businesses that go the extra mile and are the cornerstone of our rural communities. The Black Bull team and the wider Gartmore community have poured their hard work and love into the local institution, and I’m very pleased to see them earning the recognition they so rightfully deserve. I will be following progress with pride, and will be championing their success in this competition.’
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.’
Stephen Hart Marketing Director for the Black Bull said:
‘It’s great to see the years of hard work by our staff, our volunteer army and our wider community being recognised. It’s a tough time for pubs and hospitality but we hope that we’re showing that, by offering something a little different and with targeted investment, rural pubs can survive and flourish.’
