A BUSINESS offering holiday accommodation in converted buses has been nominated for a Helping it Happen award.

Run by Scottish Land and Estates, the awards are in their third year and celebrate rural business and entrepreneurship, and their contribution to their communities and the Scottish economy.

The Bus Stop, based at Bankrugg Farm, near Gifford, is nominated for a tourism award, while Fenton Barns Nursery is in the running for a Helping it Happen education award.

The awards allow businesses to demonstrate their success as entrepreneurs and highlight the environmental, social and economic benefits their success has brought to communities.

Sandy Stewart, owner of family-run The Bus Stop, which is located on a working arable farm, said: “It’s very nice.

“We are still setting everything up as it’s our first full year up and running, so we have not had a moment to sit back and figure out what we have been doing and how it has all gone so far.

“It’s all going really well so far, though. A lot of hard work has gone into it. It’s a big change from what we have done in the past.

“We are very happy with where we have got to; we have a lot of people coming from all over to stay who are using local shops and businesses. But yes, all positive so far.”

Vicky Richardson, manager at Fenton Barns Nursery, said: “It’s really great to hear that we have been nominated.

“We had no idea we were nominated so we are really happy; it’s a big shock.”

The judges of the awards are experienced rural business owners, public service professionals and business mentors.

They will focus on identifying sustainable businesses that use innovative practices and technologies to uphold high environmental standards.

One of the judges, Julia Latto, project manager in the rural operations team at Scottish Enterprise, said: “We are inspired and enthused by the number and standard of entries for a third year running.

“The awards have clearly gained momentum, and businesses from all facets of rural industry are sharing their growth and success, alongside demonstrable benefits to their communities, to the environment and to future generations.”

The winners of each category will be announced at the Helping It Happen awards gala evening on October 2 at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh.