A NUMBER of East Lothian businesses are in the running for national prizes at this year’s Food Awards Scotland.

Poonthais in North Berwick has been nominated for the Best Oriental Establishment, while Alandas Gelateria, also in North Berwick, is up for the Dessert Outlet of the Year award.

East Coast Organics, of Boggs Holdings, by Pencaitland, and fruit and veg wholesalers George Anderson, of Macmerry, are in the running for the Fresh Produce Provider of the Year title.

While JK Thomson of Musselburgh is nominated as Seafood Supplier of the Year.

Elsewhere, Lewis & Clarke Artisan Kitchen, of Fenton Barns, is a finalist in the Outstanding Food Business of the Year category, and the Spice Witch, Prestonpans, is up for Scottish Food Produce of the Year.

In the regional awards, five county businesses have been shortlisted in Cafe/Bistro of the Year (South East Scotland) section.

They are: The Cafe on the Corner (Musselburgh); Votadini in East Linton; The Loft Cafe & Bakery, Falko’s (both Haddington); and Merryhatton Garden Centre, near East Fortune.

All the nominees have been shortlisted following a public vote and the winners will be announced at a black tie event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow on Monday.

A spokesperson for Food Awards Scotland said: “We have received a tremendous amount of nominations from the Scottish public. With really tough competition this year. . . we would like to wish all the finalists the very best of luck.”