Grocer and wine merchant pick up national awards

A CANONGATE grocer and a wine merchant in Musselburgh have been lauded amongst the best in Scotland.

The Scottish Grocer, at the junction of Jeffrey Street, was praised for its "excellent produce and exceptional service" at the Scottish Independent Retail Awards.

Owner Michael Cassidy, a father of three who moved to the Canongate from his previous business in Forrest Road, was delighted with the award.

He said: "I've told quite a few customers about the award and showed them the trophy and they all said I deserved it. I get a lot more tourist trade since I moved from Forrest Road ten years ago, but I've got a lot of regulars too.

"The judges said they were impressed with the layout of the shop, and the service I offer. Everybody gets a good morning or good afternoon when they come into the shop.

"It's tough running an independent grocer, especially in these tough times, but hopefully this award will raise our profile and improve our fortunes.

"It's a family business. My daughter also works in the store and I hope to have something to hand on to her."

More than 300 people attended the awards to celebrate the achievements of Scotland's independent retailers, raising 1945 for the awards' charity partner Hospices of Scotland.

Also among the winners was The Fine Wine Company Ltd, in North High Street Musselburgh, which was named best off-sales.

Owner Adam Rankine said: "I am greatly honoured with this award. In these tough economic times, being an independent retailer is a tough business.

"But winning this award makes all the hard work worth it. From our humble beginnings of running a website from our kitchen to our two shops, we've come a long way.

"That little website is now in its third redesign and I'm currently sourcing some fabulous wines for our customers from the heart of the Chianti region.

"I am personally really proud to have won this award but I am equally as proud of my fellow independent retailers who provide such great competition.

"It is this competition that drives us to be the best we can, not just for our businesses but for our loyal customers whom we rely on. These awards not only celebrate the nominees but our industry as a whole and long may they continue to showcase our bountiful talent."

The Scottish Independent Retail Awards, staged by United Wholesale Scotland, were aimed at highlighting the value of independent retailers to the communities.