11 rural businesses, community partnerships and individuals from across Scotland have won awards at the national Helping it Happen Awards.
Now in its seventh year, the Helping It Happen Awards aim to recognise the role of estates, rural businesses and community groups which help rural Scotland to “thrive”.
The awards are organised by rural business organisation, Scottish Land & Estates, and sponsored by NatureScot.
Chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, Sarah Jane-Laing, said: “Huge congratulations go to our Helping It Happen Awards winners who exemplify everything that is great about rural Scotland.
“The independent judging panel took their time to deliberate over the awards after some hugely impressive shortlists were drawn up.
“All the winners and nominees make a considerable contribution to Scotland’s rural communities, economies and environment, often spending their own time and resources to be able to do so.”
Jane-Laing said the awards are designed to publicly recognise the “often unsung heroes” in rural Scotland.
“Their help and influence is vital in sustaining flourishing rural communities and motivating and encouraging others to follow their lead,” she said.
The full list of the awards, and their winners, is as follows:
- The award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland – Henry Graham;
- The Conservation Award – East Neuk Corn Bunting Project;
- The Education Award – The Cairngorms National Park Junior Ranger Project;
- The Enhancing Our Environment through Land Management Award – Scottish Invasive Species Initiative;
- The Innovation in Farming Award – Arbikie Highland Estate;
- The Iver Salvesen Award for Combatting Climate Change – Balbirnie Home Farms;
- The Rural Business Award – Leys Estate;
- The Rural Property Award – Active Kids Adventure Park;
- The Rural Rising Star Award – Claire Taylor;
- The Tourism & Visitor Management Award – Duncan McConchie;
- The Working with Communities Award – Communities Housing Trust.
