News / Böd Ayre award
THE OWNERS of a seaweed processing factory that was destroyed by fire last month have won a highly prestigious Scottish business award.
Böd Ayre Seaweed Products received the Crown Estate “One to Watch” award for excellence in marine business at the annual Scottish Council for Development and Industry highlands and islands dinner in Inverness on Friday.
Margaret and Michael Blance, who set up the business 10 years ago from their home in Lunnaness, are still recovering from the disaster that struck following a power cut during a gale on 30 August.
Mrs Blance said the award had made them even more determined to rebuild their manufacturing operation, which only started regularly achieving its targets during the past summer.
“We were aware of this award before the tragedy happened, but we are delighted to be recognised by the SCDI for innovation and forward thinking,” she said.
The couple are working hard on obtaining essential equipment and temporary premises so they can continue manufacturing to meet the growing number of orders they are receiving.
Böd Ayre has been shortlisted for another award next month in the ‘environmental’ and ‘healthier food’ sections of the Highlands and Islands Food & Drink Awards.
Summing up its reasons for presenting this award, the Crown Estate commented on the sustainable way the company harvests seaweed ensuring there is sufficient left for wildlife and sheep.
Its UK aquaculture operations manager Alex Adrian said: “The growth of Böd Ayre – driven by innovation, market insight, and a desire to expand and develop sustainably – is most impressive. The Crown Estate is proud to be supporting this company and look forward to its continuing success.”
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