The couple run a 600 square feet store and work with suppliers and local competitors to be the community champions for their area
Scotland’s retail community gathered again for the sparkling and glamorous Scottish Grocer Awards 2025 at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow last night (Wed 5th) to find out who would be crowned the best of the best in the convenience sector at the biggest night of the year.
The top honour of the night – the Industry Achievement Award – was bestowed on Martin and Natalie Lightfoot, who run the Londis Solo Convience store in Baillieston. The judges were looking for a store that have not only put the community at the heart of what they do, but who have also demonstrated a commitment to the sector and have become true representatives of the convenience channel in Scotland.
The Lightfoots have made a name for themselves within the sector and can now be seen, not only as ambassadors, but as some of the sector’s fiercest defenders. Their work across the whole of the UK has built bridges between stores and have worked directly with many suppliers, ensuring that convenience retailers across the country are on the forefront of their minds and are considered throughout decision-making.
Even after winning a whopping £20,000 for their store, the team put this back into the community by using the money to introduce a defibrillator and provide staff with full first-aid training so they are equipped to use it should the necessity arise. This training was also extended to their local residents as well.
Scottish retailers, key industry figures, category sponsors and wholesalers all came together to celebrate 29 years of The Scottish Grocer highlighting who in the grocery and convenience store sector was leading the way with innovation, community involvement, business initiatives and sector specialities.
Scottish Grocer judges travelled to over 70 stores to see how today’s retailers are adapting to new legislation, rising costs, change of customer habits and generally to see what’s new in the trade, and were overwhelmed with the quality and standard of the entrants in this year’s awards.
Scottish Grocer acting editor Callum McDade said; “In the last 12 months, retailers and store staff the length and breadth of the country have demonstrated just how vital they are to the health and wealth of the nation, and especially to the communities they serve. The infectious enthusiasm and optimism of the retailers I meet never ceases to amaze me – and I always leave feeling privileged to have spent time in their company.”
Delicious cocktails were on-hand courtesy of BAT, which showcased its Velo nicotine pouches, and our sparkly host, the fantastic Michelle McManus, kept the boisterous crowd controlled like a headteacher as she handed out the awards, before entertaining the guests with her amazing vocals. Guests then danced into the wee small hours to DJ set – Pretty Ugly Club.
THE SCOTTISH GROCER AWARD WINNERS 2025
Best Soft Drinks Retailer of The Year
Winner: Spar Renfrew
The Innovation Award
Winner: Premier Girish’s @ Barmulloch
Tobacco Retailer of The Year
Winner: Keystore Cults, Aberdeen
Smokeless Retailer of the Year
Premier RaceTrack Pitstop Wishaw
Licensed Retailer of the Year
Premier Dunbar East Lothian
Sustainability Champion
Londis St Michael’s Services Dumfries
Symbol Store of the Year (single store)
Day-Today Anniesland
The Symbol Store of the Year (multiple stores)
Highland Fuels – Balfron Filling Station
Best New Store of the Year 2025
Premier Dunbar
Community Retailer of the Year (city stores)
Londis Solo Convenience Baillieston
Community Retailer of the Year (rural stores)
Premier Watsons Grocers Moniaive
Independent Retailer of the Year
Spar Motherwell Road Bellshill
Entrepreneur of The Year
Arul Palaniappan, SRJ Convenience
Industry Achievement Award
Martin and Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience Baillieston
