It has been a furious few weeks filled with Facebook likes, but the country and equestrian clothing store Country Ways now have their faces.
After teaming up with YL magazine and Dubarry, Country Ways launched a search to find one male and one female brand ambassador.
And they have been found, thanks to the many entries all competing for the prize – a photoshoot and fashion feature in YL magazine, an adventurous clay pigeon shooting lesson at Lochter Activity Centre and a fashionable and functional pair of Dubarry boots, all topped off with a voucher to spend in Country Ways.
Lauren Babcock, the female winner, is no stranger to the Aberdeen based shop. The 32-year-old said: “I adore Country Ways and shop there often.
“A couple of people had shared the competition on Facebook. We had to write a short 100 words or so about ourselves and send in a photograph.”
Luckily Lauren had just completed a portrait session with a photographer friend and had a lovely photograph of herself and pet pooch Stella to send in.
Originally from Chicago, Lauren loves the selection of the brands stocked in Country Ways, but it is the knowledge and professionalism of the staff which really stands out for her.
“When I went in to buy my first riding hat they were really knowledgeable,” she said.
“And again when I bought my first horse and I went in looking for blankets, a bit out of my depth in the horsey world, they were open and willing to help and took the time with me.”
With horse Hamish carefully styled and cosy, Lauren compared the Scottish style with what family and friends back in the States would be more familiar with.
“There is more western riding across there. Here it is more polished, with tweed and cultural traditions like men in kilts,” she said.
Hopefully Lauren will be able to experience more of the tweed first hand in the upcoming photo shoot, even though being a model will be “new territory” to the South Deeside resident.
“I have done the traditional engagement and wedding shoots and my husband and I did the recent session with the dog to commemorate our time and life in Scotland,” said Lauren.
“We created a bookmark for this spot in life.”
No stranger to country wear is the male winner, 21-year-old Finlay D’Arcy Girdwood. Born and bred in the country, the young gamekeeper at Glen Prosen estate knows and appreciates how important good quality clothing is.
Finlay said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been chosen.
“Thank you to everyone who voted.
“As a full-time gamekeeper, my days are spent in the hills and glens of Angus, so it will be something a bit different being in front of the camera.
“I believe the photo shoot might involve me getting on a horse too, so that should be entertaining – I’ve not ridden for years!”
Judging the many entries and whittling them down to the six finalists before the winners were chosen on Sunday online, were Cheryl Livingstone from the P&J, Rosemary Michie from Country Ways and Graeme Duncan from Dubarry.
Excited to have found the new brand ambassadors, Rosemary said: “We had a huge number of votes for our six finalists, so thank you to everyone who supported them.
“I think Lauren and Finlay will be excellent ambassadors for Country Ways and for the equestrian and countryside community in general.
“We’re now looking forward to seeing the results of the photo shoot!”