Kelly of Cults in Aberdeen has scooped Robert Wiseman Dairies' Neighbourhood Shop of the Year award for 2002.
The Costcutter, which celebrated its centenary in 2002, scored on customer service, appropriate range, merchandising, cleanliness, promotions and stock levels, said national judge Ross Kerr, former head of Walkers Snacks in Scotland.
There were five regional winners, which covered areas from the north of Scotland to Wales, the Midlands and the south-west of England.
Presenting the award, Kerr said people had been talking about the demise of the independent retailer since he started in business 40 years ago.
"But you are still very much alive," he said. "Fewer of you certainly, but those that are left have reinvested hugely in their businesses and created an ambience that brings customers back." He added that hard work would be needed in the light of challenges to come from Tesco and the Co-operative Group. "But from what I have seen of the quality of your operations, you have nothing to fear."

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