Borders-based botanical lifestyle brand shortlisted at Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards

Hawick-based business Purple Sage Soap Company Ltd is celebrating after being shortlisted in the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards 2026.

Founder Ann Carter’s business is up for the Rural Business of the Year Award, after the judging panel reviewed and assessed a vast number of entries to create a list of just 53 finalists across 10 categories.

Ann Carter, founder of Purple Sage, outside the company’s Soap Barn near Hawick in the Scottish Borders.

placeholder image — Ann Carter, founder of Purple Sage, outside the company’s Soap Barn near Hawick in the Scottish Borders.

Ann said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Purple Sage has been shortlisted.

“Being based in the Scottish Borders is central to who we are and to the business we are building. Our work is rooted in the plants, landscape and stories around us, so it is incredibly meaningful to have that recognised on a national stage.

Ann Carter, founder of Purple Sage, shortlisted for Rural Business of the Year.

“I’m also very proud to be representing the Scottish Borders alongside other brilliant women-led businesses.”

Purple Sage is an award-winning Scottish botanical lifestyle brand based near Hawick. The business reconnects people with nature through the complete journey from plant to product, combining regenerative gardening, botanical education, workshops and experiences with small-batch, plant-based skincare.

Carolyn Currie, chief executive at Women’s Enterprise Scotland, said; “Our awards recognise the considerable contribution women-led businesses make to Scotland’s economy. They also provide a valuable opportunity to showcase visible role models for women and girls who follow.

“Both the volume and the calibre of entries for the awards were very high and the judging panel had a very challenging task to compile the list of finalists.

A selection of Purple Sage’s small-batch, plant-based botanical soaps.

“We are now looking forward to a fantastic awards evening in October, when we will shine a spotlight on the diverse range of women led businesses which are making such a vital contribution to Scotland’s economy.”

Winners of the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards – supported by Business Gateway, Titan Wealth, YourScene, The Scottish National Investment Bank and Community Enterprise – will be announced at a ceremony at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday, October 29. The keynote speaker will be Marie Owen OBE, founder of LS Productions.