A BUSINESS owner who scooped a national award at the end of last year has been congratulated by an MSP.

Svetlana Kukharchuk, who owns The Cheese Lady in Haddington, was named Scottish Business Woman of the Year at the National Business Women’s Awards 2023.

Last year, Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, highlighted her success in the Scottish Parliament, before Martin Whitfield, also a South Scotland MSP, tabled a motion.

Mr Whitfield has now visited the business on the town’s Court Street to offer his congratulations.

He said: “As a cheese lover myself, I really enjoyed the chance to hear more about the way Svetlana has developed the business over the last few years and how she is helping her customers to try an exciting range of new and different cheeses.

“She has built The Cheese Lady into a highly successful business and well-recognised local brand, which has resulted in this well-deserved recognition, and I wish her continued success in the future.”

Ms Kukharchuk, who opened the business on High Street in 2017 before moving to Court Street more than two years ago, was delighted by Mr Whitfield’s visit.

She said: “It was wonderful to meet and greet Martin at The Cheese Lady store in Haddington and discuss the journey of our business over the last six years.

“While I’m still pinching myself over being named Scottish Business Woman of the Year, I sincerely hope it serves as inspiration for other aspiring female entrepreneurs.

“In our conversation, I made sure to bring up the concerning fact that East Lothian lacks farmhouse or artisan cheese producers.

“I’m hopeful that our dialogue will ignite greater support for emerging cheesemakers in the region.”