The Scottish Local Retailer of the Year Awards 2008 were a huge success recently, with independent Spar retailer Billy kay making history by scooping the top prize, sponsored by GSK, for the second consecutive year.

Held in historic and spectacular Stirling Castle, the Awards are now firmly established as a highlight of the Scottish c-store calendar.

Alongside Billy, coveted awards were also made in a number of other categories. These are detailed below:

Beers, Wines & Spirits Local Retailer of the Year: Gary Larkin, Spar Westwood (Sponsored by Tennents) ; Bread Local Retailer of the Year: Pete Cheema, Spar Falkirk (Sponsored by Warburtons) ; Confectionery Local Retailer of the Year: Billy Kay, Spar Greenock (Sponsored by Wrigley).

Crisps & Snacks Local Retailer of the Year: Gerry Haughey, Spar Thornliebank (Sponsored by UBUK) ; Forecourt Local Retailer of the Year: Blair Girvan, Girvans of Aberfeldy (Sponsored by Rustlers) ; Milk Local Retailer of the Year: Billy Kay, Spar Greenock (Sponsored by Robert Wiseman Dairies).

Newstrade Local Retailer of the Year: Robert Paton, News 2 You, DKilmarnock (Sponsored by The Scottish Sun); Soft Drinks Local Retailer of the Year: Billy Kay, Spar Greenock (Sponsored by Coca-Cola Enterprises) ; Specialist Off-Licence of the Year 2007: Peter Wood, Luvian's Bottle Shop, Cupar (Sponsored by Intercontinental Brands) ; Tobacco Local Retailer of the Year: Colin Landsburgh, Spar Carnoustie (Sponsored by Imperial Tobacco). Special awards were also made to Lindsay Sands - Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by Golden Casket - and Stanley Morrice of McLeish's - Innovation In Local Retailing, sponsored by Vertex RAS.