Find out which stores rank among the best in Scotland
THE challenging mission to find the very best in Scotland’s convenience sector for the Scottish Grocer Awards has come to a conclusion.
Judges have made road trips all across the country to see stores and retailers who have been outstanding in their respective categories in the last year.
And the standards on display were tremendously high despite the many challenges that convenience retailers have been faced with.
Among them are the unacceptable levels of shoplifting, abuse and violence, as well as the surge in illicit traders who have a direct financial impact on legitimate businesses.
Store owners are also having to grapple with soaring costs, sustained inflationary pressures and a raft of legislative changes – from HFSS and nicotine to employment rights.
That’s why it has been so inspiring to find and meet a host of retailers and staff who have tackled these issues head on, with a constant smile on their face and a passion to ensure no one in their community goes without.
That is what convenience retail is at its very core – good people who work all hours of the day, every day of the week, all to make sure that their local area is catered for.
It only seems right to recognise this Olympian effort and highlight the very best that Scotland has to offer in the sector, and that is what we believe we have found once again this year.
The competition was tough and the stores we visited over the summer displayed new levels of professionalism and showed just how they can adapt during difficult times to ensure their outlets are among the very best in the country.
I would also like to take the chance to thank all of our sponsor representative judges as well as our independent judges, whose keen insights and sharp knowledge of the field helped us to choose the right people and the right stores for our awards once again this year.
So, without further ado, click the link here to find out who has made the shortlist for the Scottish Grocer Awards 2026.
