What significant contribution has the nominee made to their rural community?
Ian Robertson has dedicated his career to supporting rural Scotland through youth development, rural careers, community engagement, and informed access to the countryside. As Chief Executive of Countryside Learning Scotland (CLS), he has helped grow the organisation from a 2 person operation into a nationally recognised charity creating opportunities for young people across Scotland. Ian is an extraordinary advocate for preserving rural skills, heritage, and industries. Throughout his career - from Scottish Rugby to managing the Scottish Angling National Development Strategy, the Country Sports Tourism Group, and later leading CLS - he has consistently brought people together around a shared vision of thriving rural communities. His leadership creates pathways connecting education, government, NGOs, and rural businesses, ensuring young people gain a greater understanding of countryside opportunities. Passionate about creating informed access to the rural environment, Ian has devoted countless hours to developing projects that inspire young people to engage with Scotland's rural landscape. From Hugo Meynell's idea, Ian led the development of the remarkable ADHD Rural Connect project, making rural pathways inclusive for all. His contribution extends beyond supporting young people; he is a trusted partner to estates, landowners, and rural businesses seeking to address workforce challenges and develop future talent. Charles Jamieson, The Macallan Estate credits Ian with supporting the launch of Sustainable Traditions, helping connect young people with careers in fisheries, agriculture, and habitat management. By bridging the gap between employers and the next generation, Ian is helping secure the future of Scotland's rural industries, communities, and traditions.
What has been the impact on their rural community?
Ian Robertson's impact is measured not only through CLS's projects, but through the lives he has transformed. His work has increased awareness of rural careers, strengthened connections between young people and employers, and helped build a more sustainable future for rural communities across Scotland. A powerful example is Ryan Sim, who became isolated following a difficult journey with autism, anxiety, and an inability to attend school. Ryan's mother described how he had lost confidence, rarely left the house, and felt he had "no sense of belonging or purpose anymore." After participating in the Lionel Main Junior Angling Course, Ian built Ryan's trust, recognised his potential, and continued supporting him long after the programme ended. Ryan later said, "Ian was very friendly when I met him and did not judge me for being different. He wanted to help me, but unlike others, he didn't let me down." Today, Ryan is involved in the CLS Youth Advisory Group and employability scheme, has joined the Army Cadets, and now coaches young anglers through the association that first introduced him to fishing. Through the trust built between Ryan, his family, and Ian, he has also taken the extraordinary step of joining CLS’s international exchange trip to the Miramichi River, Canada—an opportunity his family believes would never have happened without Ian's encouragement and belief in his potential. As Ryan's mother wrote, Ian and CLS have been "life-changing" for their family. Ryan's story reflects the wider impact Ian has had on young people throughout Scotland.
How have they involved their rural community?
Ian Robertson has made partnership, collaboration, and community involvement central to his work. He continuously travels the length and breadth of Scotland to build relationships and strengthen connectivity between education providers, rural businesses, estates, charities, government agencies, community groups, and industry organisations. Through his leadership, he brings together the people and organisations that shape Scotland's rural landscape, creating partnerships that strengthen rural resilience, support sustainable development, and inspire the next generation to live, work, and thrive in rural communities. Through Countryside Learning Scotland, Ian has championed partnerships with over 130 stakeholders annually, creating a powerful network of employers, practitioners, educators, and volunteers who share their knowledge and experiences directly with young people. By connecting education with real-world rural opportunities, he has enabled local businesses and organisations to play an active role in nurturing future talent, strengthening community connections, and supporting the long-term sustainability of Scotland's rural industries. Ian is also committed to ensuring young people have a voice in shaping the future. Through initiatives such as the Youth Advisory Group, participants are encouraged to contribute ideas, share experiences, and become ambassadors for rural opportunities within their communities. His approach is built on relationships and trust. Ryan Sim's family recalled that Ian maintained contact long after an initial programme, taking the time to encourage Ryan's ambitions and help him access new opportunities. This willingness to go beyond his formal role exemplifies how Ian builds lasting connections between people, places, and opportunities throughout rural Scotland.