Moray shop in the running for STV supported award
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A shop in Moray is in the running for a national award with the public vote set to end at midnight tonight.
The Re:store in Lossiemouth is neck and neck at the top in the FoodHeroScot contest, whose main headline partner is STV.
The Re:store was set up in October 2019 by Alison Ruickbie.
Her aim was to cut the amount of plastic containers and packaging used when you go shopping.
Alison said: "I'm not a hippie. I'm not an environmentalist. I'm just an ordinary person who wants to make a little bit of a difference.
"I first got the idea after watching The Blue Planet and hearing David Attenborough talk about all the damage that plastics are causing within the world's oceans.
"My husband Ross is with the RAF, so for a time we were based in Cyprus.
"It meant I got the chance to go swimming with some turtles – but it also meant swimming with all the plastic that was floating about.
"Coming back to Moray again you could see the amount of litter and discarded packaging here as well – and it's a problem that's getting worse."
Shoppers bring their own containers to The Re:Store, which can then be filled with the dozens of items on sale, such as porridge, pasta, sugar, flour and rice.
Alison, who lives in Elgin, said: "I think some shoppers might have been a little bit intimidated when we first opened, but not any more.
"There's no need to be because it's really simple.
"You can bring along anything to use as a container as long as it's clean, dry and has a lid.
"We weigh them beforehand, then once again when they're full.
"That means you're only paying for the items themselves and not the packaging."
Whoever wins STV's FoodHeroScot award will receive a documentary and marketing package worth over £25,000 to help promote themselves.
Alison said: "It's very tough for a little Moray shop when it's up against businesses from places such as Edinburgh and Glasgow.
"It was a real surprise to be nominated, but we've had a lot of votes so far.
"Whatever happens, I'd like to thank everyone who has voted.
"It's great to receive so much support."
Cast your vote for The Re:Store HERE
FoodHeroScot is a not for profit campaign that's been launched to give food and drink businesses in Scotland a platform to showcase their sustainable products and services.
Its aim is to provide a balanced approach between profits and the planet.
FoodHeroScot, is supported by STV’s £1million Green Fund which is encouraging Scots to reduce their own carbon footprint.
