A PORT Seton mum who started her flower business in the garage of her family home has been named Scotland’s Florist of the Year at a prestigious business awards.

Demi Macleod, 55, has been running Demi’s Florist for nearly 20 years and started out in the garage of her home at Rowanhill Drive.

She moved into her current shop in Portobello in 1999 as her business bloomed and has gone from strength to strength.

Last month, Demi’s Florist was named Florist of the Year by Scotlands Business Awards at a ceremony in Edinburgh.

Mum-of-two Demi admitted, however, that the title came as a bittersweet reward for all her hard work.

She said: “It was bittersweet because my children hardly saw me when they were growing up because I was working so hard, but I was delighted to be given the award. It is special for me and my hard-working staff.”

With proud daughters Alexa and Helen now all grown-up, Demi still puts in long hours maintaining her business.

She admits times have been tough over the years but credits her ability to change with it as helping her succeed.

She said: “The business mainly worked with fresh and dried flowers but when the recession hit it became hard because brides could not afford fresh flowers.

“We moved into offering artificial flowers for hire and it really took off. It remains a hugely popular option both from a cost point of view and recycling approach for weddings. I would say it now accounts for as much as two thirds of my business.”

Demi started off the business providing flowers and decorations for events from the family garage. She said: “When I first started I was in our garage but then we had a visit from the council after someone complained.

“We were not doing anything wrong but it made me think about moving into a shop and we’ve been in our store in Portobello ever since.”

Demi was put forward for the Scottish title after winning the regional Edinburgh Business Awards earlier this summer, when she was named Best Edinburgh and Lothian Florist 2016.

The award is based on nominations from the public, votes and a mystery shopper test.

The grand final was held in the Sheraton Grand Hotel, in Edinburgh, although Demi revealed she was not able to attend and sent her staff in her place.