AN AWARD-WINNING cidermaker is celebrating one of its products being at the heart of a celebration of Scottish food and drink.

Thistly Cross Cider has won the promotional slot for its Scottish Fruits four-packs, which are made with handpicked Scottish strawberries, elderflowers and blackcurrants.

The business, based in West Barns, will be joined in Scotmid stores by products from James Rizza and Sons, in Huntly; The Buffalo Farm, near Kirkcaldy; Strathmore Foods, in Forfar; and Glasgow’s Caledonian Cola Company.

Peter Stuart, founder and head cidermaker at Thistly Cross Cider, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be chosen as part of Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites – our four-pack of 330ml Scottish Fruits cans are easy and convenient for Scotmid shoppers to pop in their baskets, and a tasty treat to kick back and relax with.”

The competition was launched during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight in September last year and was designed to champion local producers and demonstrate Scotmid’s commitment to Scottish sourcing.

It received more than 50 entries from local businesses, which were each judged by a panel of experts.

Kirsty George, local sourcing manager at Scotmid, said: “A massive congratulations to Thistly Cross Cider and all the winning suppliers, we can’t wait to see the reaction from our customers with these amazing products.”

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, was delighted with the promotion and said: “Scotmid is doing a brilliant job at ensuring the best of Scottish food and drink lands in shopping baskets across the country and we are excited to continue supporting them with their local sourcing efforts next year.”