As the high street blues sweep across the country, one small business is defying the doom and gloom.

Not only is Borland's Deli on the Corner in Stewarton, Ayrshire, a haven of quality food and delicious smells, it is also Scotland's Most Promising New Business for 2008. Following the announcement of the award from the British Chambers of Commerce, the delicatessen is competing for the UK title next month and a chance to win prize money of £50,000.

As the brainchild of friends Lyndsey Phillips, 42, and Dawn Borland, 48, the deli opened two years ago and, in the words of its owners, "has been a roller-coaster ride from which we haven't looked back".

The enterprising twosome came up with their business idea over a coffee and combined their previous job experiences to launch their unique small business.

Ms Phillips said they were delighted to be presented with the award. "Dawn and I had dreamt of opening our own business and the time just seemed right," she said. "It's been hard work but worth it. We've never looked back and are just delighted that all our hard work has been recognised."

Both women pride themselves in sourcing from as many local suppliers as possible and are members of the Guild of Fine Food, Ayrshire Food Network and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"We feel that it is important to source locally," said Ms Phillips. "With prices going up and up, local suppliers have done terrific work to compete."