Rae’s named top food and drink business in Scotland awards
Rae’s, a Montrose-based dining business run by Wouter and Helen Margaroli, has been named Food and Drink Tourism Business of the Year at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2026. The award recognizes Rae’s for strong ties to Scotland’s local producers and for offering bespoke dining experiences. The following explainer summarizes what happened, who it affects, and practical next steps.
What happened
At the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2026 in Glasgow, Rae’s was announced as the winner in the Food and Drink Tourism Business of the Year category. The judging panel praised Rae’s for using Scotland’s larder—local farmers, fishermen, and producers—and for creating dining experiences that connect guests with the country’s food culture. Rae’s was founded in 2022 by Wouter and Helen Margaroli and operates from Montrose High Street, offering private chef experiences and customized events.
Key facts
- Rae’s is based in Montrose, Scotland, and was founded in 2022 by a husband-and-wife team.
- It won the Food and Drink Tourism Business of the Year at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2026.
- The judges highlighted Rae’s emphasis on local produce and on connecting guests with suppliers such as farmers and fishermen.
- The awards ceremony took place in Glasgow and recognized 21 category winners.
Who is affected
The recognition may affect Rae’s staff, partners, and suppliers by raising the profile of the business and potentially increasing demand for bespoke dining experiences. Local producers who supply Rae’s could see greater visibility and business if demand grows. The award could also influence local tourism by drawing visitors to Montrose and to Rae’s experiences.
Practical next steps
- If you are considering a private dining or events experience, contact Rae’s to discuss bespoke options and how they source ingredients from Scotland.
- Local producers connected to Rae’s may look for opportunities to partner with the business; small producers could explore similar collaborations with Rae’s or other Scotland-based dining ventures.
- Tourists or visitors to Montrose may keep an eye on Rae’s for potential dining experiences, workshops, or private events tied to Scotland’s larder.
- Follow Scotland Food & Drink and Rae’s official channels for future awards, menus, and featured producers.
Limits and questions
This explainer summarizes the award result and available public details. It does not assess long-term business impact beyond what is publicly stated by the organizers or Rae’s. If you need more precision on Rae’s current operations or supplier arrangements, consult Rae’s directly or check the award organizers’ announcements for any updates.
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