A Caithness distillery has won the Environmental/Sustainability Business of the Year title in the latest Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland Celebrating Small Business Awards 2022.
Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd, makers of the multi-award-winning Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, was founded in 2014 by husband and wife team Martin and Claire Murray.
The distillery now produces 150,000 bottles of spirits per annum, exports to 21 countries, and is a VisitScotland five-star visitor attraction.
In 2021 this Planet Mark-certified business appointed an environmental manager and, through a range of measures, it is planned to reduce the firm’s carbon footprint by 50 per cent by 2025, achieving net zero by 2030.
Dunnet Bay was the first distillery to launch refill pouches so that customers are able to save money and carbon emissions by only purchasing one of their iconic ceramic bottles and top it up with recyclable pouches.
This award recognises the most ethical, socially responsible or green business, and was open to small business owners who have helped drive environmental improvements across their businesses and/or the wider green economy. Judges looked for evidence of sustainability and how it has contributed to the businesses and to the drive to create a green economy.
Welcoming the award Martin said: “We are thrilled to win this Environmental/Sustainability Award – it’s a subject that we are incredibly passionate about.
“Sarah Lyons, our Environmental Manager, is doing a great job and we’re continually improving every month as a result of her work.
“This award comes at just the right time, boosting the team as we begin our project to restore the Castletown Mill, creating a brand new whisky distillery and visitor attraction for Caithness.”
Also picking up an award at the ceremony held in Edinburgh’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel last Thursday (March 31), was Inksters, a firm of solicitors with bases in both Thurso and Wick.
Founded by Shetlander Brian Inkster in 1999 as a sole trader, the business won the Self-employed/Sole Trader of the Year Award. With headquarters in Glasgow, it has nine employees and 18 other sole traders, all working under the Inksters brand from 10 offices throughout Scotland.
The third Highland business picking up an award was specialist outdoor experiences company, Highland Experiences Ltd, Gairloch – winner of the Micro Business of the Year Award.
The FSB’s Highlands and Islands development manager, David Richardson, said: “We’ve got three really exciting and vibrant Highlands and Islands winners this year, albeit it that one is based in Glasgow; businesses that have come through the problems and pitfalls of the pandemic and are now changing and expanding in new and very exciting ways.”
The small business campaign group received around 400 entries from up and down Scotland. Winners from each category secure a spot at the prestigious UK Final, to be held in Glasgow in May.
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