THREE Borders businesses walked away with awards at a ceremony last month.

As part of the Borders branch of ‘Scotlands Business Awards’, Lou Lou’s Vintage Emporium, The Hub on the High Street, and Loulabelle’s Sweet Treats all received accolades.

The businesses will now go on to compete in the 2021 grand final which will be held in Glasgow next year.

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“It was amazing, I was totally surprised,” said Louise Coulson, owner of Lou Lou’s Vintage Emporium. “I think Innerleithen seems to be on the up a little bit.

“We’ve seen a lot of new businesses opening on the High Street and to come home with three from the High Street from our little town, we were quite proud.”

The awards won by the local businesses on the night include:

  • Best Independent Retailer – Lou Lou’s Vintage Emporium
  • The Community Award – The Hub on the High Street
  • Best Eatery – Loulabelle’s Sweet Treats

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Carmel Scott from The Hub told the Peeblesshire News: “We’d been nominated for the gift shop, but the Community Award was the final announcement.

“It was thrilling. They said it was based on feedback as well as votes.

“It was unexpected and lovely.

“We’re very proud of our High Street, we’re really fortunate and it’s nice to get recognised.”

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Louise Cumming, who owns Loulabelle’s Sweet Treats with her partner Philip, said: “It was pretty amazing, we didn’t expect to win.

“Considering how small Innerleithen is it’s an amazing achievement to have so many businesses just nominated in the first place, and the three wins is phenomenal.

“I think it shows how far the town has come.”

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Voting for the 2021 Grand Final is open and votes can be submitted text or using the online form at: www.scotlandsbusinessawards.co.uk/final-2021/