Fiona, Elle and June at the Retail Awards

STIRLING WHISKY SHOP WINS TOP BUSINESS AWARD 

A popular whisky shop has been named Central Scotland’s Off License of the Year.

Stirling Whisky Shop, based in the city’s Spittal Street, was presented with the honour at the Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2017.

The family firm beat off competition from six other retailers to scoop the coveted title.

June McCann founded Stirling Whisky Shop with her husband Cameron four years ago.

She attended the glitzy awards ceremony with her daughter Elle, who helps out with the family business, and Fiona Sinclair who manages the shop.

She said: “It was a great night and it was just amazing when our name was called out as the Central Scotland winner because we knew we were up against tough competition and some much bigger retailers.

“We’re one of the smallest off licenses in Scotland but really do punch above our weight when it comes to stocking a wide variety of brands and organising big events.

“I think we’re also one of the only off licenses in Scotland to have a chandelier in our shop which is quite a novelty and a good talking point.

“We’re very proud to win this award and grateful to our fabulous staff who work so hard and our loyal customers who support us both in the shop and at the events we run.”

Stirling Whisky Shop, which is based within Stirling’s Highland Hotel, organises annual Whisky Festivals as well as monthly tasting clubs.

Co-founder Cameron McCann said: “This award is a great honour for us, our staff and the city of Stirling.

“It’s the first time we’ve been nominated for an award so to win it was just fantastic.

“We’d like to thank everyone who voted for us and who continues to support our business.”

The winners of the 6th Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2017 were announced at a black-tie ceremony, hosted by radio personality Gina McKie, in Glasgow.

The awards aim to highlight the value independent shops bring to their communities and to recognise and reward the entrepreneurial spirit which lies behind these thriving businesses

Organisers ran an online campaign, via email databases and social media, over the past few months which gave people the chance to vote for their favourite retail outlets.

Stirling Whisky Shop made the final shortlist of seven contenders for the Central Scotland award.

The other finalists included Excel Wines of Perth, Dundee-based Aitken Wines, Luvians Bottleshop in St Andrews and Oban Whisky and Fine Wines Shops.

A spokesman for the Scottish Independent Retail Awards said: “The awards look to give a platform to local communities to voice their admiration and loyalty to their independent retailer of choice.”

For more information, go to http://www.stirlingwhiskyshop.com/ 

Note to Editors: Stirling Whisky Shop was established in 2013 by Bridge of Allan couple June and Cameron McCann. The shop sells a range of spirits and is based at the Highland Hotel in Stirling’s Spittal Street. More information can be found on the website – www.stirlingwhiskyshop.com

Fiona Sinclair in SWS