SCOTLAND'S yearly celebration of rural community spirit has been postponed for the first time in its six year history due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The awards, which were due to be held on April 2 at the Glasgow Hilton, will now take place on November 25. Ticket holders are being advised to keep hold of their tickets as they will be honoured at the event in November.

Commercial director Brian Cameron said: "We are extremely sorry to be postponing the event but in light of the Corona Virus worsening in Scotland we wanted to act responsibility under the current circumstances and work towards preventing the further spread of the virus. We have reassured all attendees and sponsors that the event will go ahead on Wednesday November 25, 2020."

Sponsors of the Scottish Rural Awards 2020 include the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, Barclays, Subaru, Strathallan School, Chiene and Tait, The Enchanted Forest, By Storm, Glencairn Crystal and Highland Game. The awards are partnered by the Scottish Countryside Alliance and this year’s charity partners are the National Rural Mental Health Forum.

Bake Off star Flora Shedden and previous winner Sir Ian Grant have joined the judging panel for 2020. The other judges are Richard Bath, editor of Scottish Field; Jamie Stewart, Countryside Alliance director for Scotland; Alan Laidlaw, chief executive of RHASS, and Charlie Shentall, director of The Lodge at Perth Racecourse.

For further information email marketing manager Claire Daly at info@scottishruralawards.org or call 0131 551 7936.