AN Ayr-based salt company has been presented with an award by Ayr's MP.

Allan Dorans presented Whirly Marshall, of Blackthorn Salt, with an Early Day Motion (EDM) recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of the company.

The husband-and-wife team, Gregorie and Whirly Marshall, owners of Blackthorn Salt, alongside their small team, have won numerous awards for their environmentally friendly and sustainable method of producing artisan salt crystals by the process of using water from the sea nearby.

This allows the water to be evaporated naturally using only the wind and sun as it is slowly filtered through a tall wooden graduation tower, comprising mainly of blackthorn twigs, imbuing the salt crystals produced with a unique flavour, taste and shape.

They have won many prestigious awards since their opening, such as Scotland’s Best Small Producer (ambient) at the Scottish Retail Awards 2022; Sustainability Pioneer of the Year at the Speciality and Fine Food Awards 2022; and Primary Producer at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards 2022.

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They have also secured a significant contract to work in partnership with a national supermarket to use the salt crystals as a component and flavouring in a unique Scottish salmon product.

The MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock said: “I was delighted to present a copy of my Early Day Motion to Whirly Marshall of Blackthorn Salt, Ayr, to recognise and celebrate their outstanding achievements in receiving many high-level industry awards for their amazing artisan salt.

“Alongside several prestigious awards, they have received significant commendations from local and national stockists and several top UK chefs - all of which are very well deserved.

“It is always a pleasure to visit local businesses and hear of success stories in the constituency.

"Blackthorn Salt are evidence of the skills and talents across the constituency.

“I wish them every success in the future."