Kintyre distillery shortlisted for tourism award

Based at Torrisdale Estate, the business has grown over the last decade and now boasts a café, shop, gin school and geodesic dome that hosts wellness retreats, promoting ‘slow tourism’ and keeping sustainability at the heart of the estate.

Other finalists from Argyll include: Mount Stuart Trust, Bute, for the Working with Communities Award; Glengorm Farming Partnership, Mull, for the Rural Property Award; and Sophie Handley of The Estates Office, Oban, for the Rural Rising Star Award.

Visit www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/meet-years-finalists for the full list of categories and nominees. 

“The quality of entries this year has been truly inspiring,” said Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates and chair of the judging panel. “From every corner of Scotland, we’ve seen incredible stories of passion, resilience, and innovation that are driving our rural communities forward. 

“The competition has been exceptionally fierce, and we are really excited about celebrating the outstanding achievements of our finalists and winners at the awards ceremony this October.”

Claudia Rowse, NatureScot’s deputy director of green economy and judge on the Helping it Happen panel, added: “These businesses and community groups show us the positive ways there are to build a resilient rural economy while adapting to the changing climate and valuing, protecting and restoring nature. 

“The nominees are creating thriving rural communities today and ensuring there will be a nature rich future for tomorrow.”