A BOOMING business in Bridge of Weir has won a national award after less than two years on the high street.

The Lion’s Paw gift shop, which is full of treats and treasures from around the world, is one of just two Scottish businesses to be honoured at the Greats Retail Awards.

The prestigious contest aims to recognise top independent and niche retailers across the UK.

And the team at The Lion’s Paw is thrilled to be named Best Newcomer in the Midlands, North and Scotland category.

Guy Stenhouse, who owns the shop with his wife Alison, said: “We opened the shop in June 2015 and have always tried to offer gifts you cannot get elsewhere.

“What my wife does is go to the likes of France to see if she can find things that aren’t sold in the UK and then see if she can bring those gifts to The Lion’s Paw.

“We always want to offer things that are a bit different and I think that’s what has made us stand out in this competition.

“Also, we are a locally-owned business and you never really know what you’re going to find inside the shop. That’s how we want people to feel.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have won this award.”

The Lion’s Paw, in Main Street, sells the likes of jewellery, candles, luggage, homeware and clothing.

Mr and Mrs Stenhouse collected their prize during a glittering awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in London’s famous Park Lane.

Papyrus, in Glasgow, was the only other shop in Scotland to earn an award.