AN independent Scottish salmon farming company has been awarded runner up in the Rural Business Awards North.

Loch Duart, based in Sutherland and the Hebrides, was shortlisted in the Best Food Business category at a ceremony in The Last Drop Village Hotel, Bolton.

The awards, which are supported by online retailer, Amazon, are a celebration of all that is great about rural business in the North of the UK.

Alban Denton, managing director of Loch Duart, said: “It’s great for Loch Duart to be named runner up at the Best Rural Food Business Award.

“Our efforts to raise extraordinary salmon, asked for by name and enjoyed around the world, are completely wrapped up in being located in the Highlands and Islands.

“The beautiful rural environment we work in and the wonderful people who live and work in this area are central to Loch Duart’s success. I’d like to congratulate

all the great businesses recognised at the awards.”