A Sutherland-based entrepreneur has scooped her second award in three months.

Sandie Gordon the owner of Candles from the Croft won the Young Edge Award at the Scottish Edge Competition which is dubbed as Scotland’s very own Dragon’s Den.

The event is the biggest funding competition in Scotland supporting acceleration businesses, and Sandie picked up a £10,000 prize to support her business.
 

Candles from the Croft is a venture dedicated to crafting candles and fragrances sourced entirely from Sandie’s Altass land.

Emphasising sustainability, cruelty-free practices, and vegan friendly products, every aspect of Sandie's offerings, down to the hand-poured glass jars, adheres to these principles. Foraging the family-owned croft, she utilises natural products to create an array of distinctive scents, including Highland gorse, wild mint and Scottish heather.

This was recognised by the Scottish Edge Awards as she pitched her business to a panel of judges.

Sandie said: “To win this award is a real honour, it shows others have the trust and belief in my business that I have and they see it going positively where I want to take in the future.

“This award has meant I could open doors and possibilities at a faster pace and not have the same pressure of trying to get there on my own. The cherry on the top was definitely receiving the email of Congratulations as I passed the ‘Welcome to the Highlands’ sign while heading back from another event.

“If that isn’t a sign I don’t know what is! I’m really energised and excited for the future of Candles from the Croft, both short and long term.

With this award we plan to grow our business across the UK but we also hope to move into international territories and get the name Candles from the Croft recognised as a household name with our sustainable and affordable products.”

Sandie also won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Federation of Small Business Awards.