Eighteen restaurants and chefs from Edinburgh and the Lothians have been shortlisted in the 2008 Scottish Restaurant Awards, which take place this year on 28 January at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

The Scottish Restaurant Awards were launched to recognise the creativity, outstanding customer service and top quality dining that is on offer throughout Scotland.

There are 14 categories in the Awards, including: Chef of the Year; Best Pub Grub; Best City Restaurtant; and Best Restaurant Design.

Congratulations to all businesses shortlisted for an award.

For more information on the shortlisted businesses and on the awards themselves, visit www.scottishrestaurantawards.co.uk