Owner of Strath and Muchty grocery stores, David Sands Ltd, has scooped 4 awards at the Scottish Grocer Awards.

The Industry Achievement Award was presented to Sands in recognition of his leadership in building up the 24-store chain as well as his dedication to the wider grocery industry. Sands was president of the Scottish Grocers' Federation from 1996-1998, taking on the role at the age of just 30.

Since then, he has developed a high profile in the grocery industry, speaking at industry events and ensuring that David Sands Ltd remains at the forefront of innovation in the fastmoving convenience retail marketplace.

Accrediting his family and especially his father, company chairman Lindsay Sands for his success, as well as the inspiration he has found from others in the retail industry, he said that independent retailers often lacked belief in their ability to compete in today's marketplace. "Many in our trade read constantly of the demise of the ndependent sector," he said. "I feel many lack confidence in their abilities, but I do believe that we all have the ability to compete.

"Such is this belief that we have invested over £4 million in the last few years developing our business. That's putting your money where your mouth is. It's the future that counts. I approach the future filled with excitement and confidence, relishing the many changes to come and looking forward to steering our company to greater success."

David Sands Ltd also won the new Collaborating for Success Award, which was developed by Scotland Food & Drink, the new public/private partnership for the food and drink industry. The firm's recently refurbished and extended store at Cardenden won the Neighbourhood Store of the Year Award while the outlet in Tulloch Square, Perth was judged Milk Retailer of the Year.

The awards were presented by TV presenter Julia Bradbury in an evening of star-studded entertainment at the Glasgow Hilton on Thursday 13th March.