PINKIE Farm Convenience Store in Musselburgh was voted Chilled Retailer of the Year at this year’s Scottish Grocer Awards.

The Pinkie Road retail outlet was also highly commended in the Bakery Retailer of the Year (Independent) section, impressing judges with its “expertly presented” bakery and “extensive range” of wrapped bread.

The awards ceremony, reputed to be the biggest awards programme of its type in the country, took place last week at the Hilton Glasgow Hotel to celebrate the best in Scottish convenience retailing.

Hosted by entertainer and TV presenter Alexander Armstrong, the presentation saw 20 accolades go to some of Scotland’s best independent retailers, employees and entrepreneurs.

Matthew Lynas, Scottish Grocer editor, said: “The Scottish Grocer Awards is a celebration of the absolute best in convenience retail.

“More than just shops, Scotland’s independent convenience stores serve as pillars of their community, supporting local causes and offering a personal service that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

“This year, judges racked up thousands of miles on the road and sent back glowing reports of retailing excellence from cities, towns and villages across the nation.

“Convenience stores may operate in a challenging market place but this year’s awards programme has proven yet again that our nation is blessed with some of the most ingenious and hard working retailers around.”

The judges ruled that the Pinkie store, built on the site of a former farm shop, had benefited from a new housing development right on its doorstep. To cater for these new customers, store manager Dan Brown had curated a huge chilled section that included freshly prepared food, ready meals and fridge staples. The team also created their own high-quality planograms, promotions and social media activity – all designed with local people in mind.

The judges felt that store standards don’t come much higher than those found at the Pinkie store, describing its bakery as “expertly presented and easy to shop”.

Shoppers, they added, were treated to “an extensive range” of wrapped bread as well as plenty of local favourites and non-bread bakery, with good availability and shelf life across the board. Clever use of wrapped bread as part of the store’s food-to-go offer was also highlighted.

Mr Brown said: “We have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction of the judges and our customers.”

He revealed that in the next month or so, the store would be undergoing a refit as plans were put into action to make its own pizzas and ice cream, as well as increasing the size of the delicatessen area and offering more freshly prepared food.