Nominee Summary
Laura has come to Scotland and immediately engaged in the rural and conservation policies. She is managing the planting of over two million trees, the restoration of 1000 hectares of peatland and managing two large farms in their transition to regenerative farming.
Nominee – Qualities
Laura McDonald is a remarkable young professional whose leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence have quickly made her a standout in the rural sector. Since relocating to Scotland, Laura has taken on a challenging and high-responsibility role managing diverse teams of gamekeepers, farmers, and forestry workers — not only building strong relationships but also shifting traditional ways of working by keeping people on side with clarity, and respect. Her ability to navigate and unify communities with deeply rooted, and sometimes resistant, perspectives is a testament to her interpersonal skills.
Nominee - Sectoral Impact
Working with the CNPA, PAP, SLE, WES and RSPB.
Her sectoral impact is equally impressive: Laura plays a key role in environmental stewardship through the strategic restoration of a thousand hectares of peatland — vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and climate resilience. Her work with National Forestry Scotland and in developing long-term, sustainable land management plans reflects a deep commitment to ecological health and rural futures. She balances this with wide-ranging responsibilities across land, conservation, and community priorities, tackling each with competence and vision.
Nominee - Going the extra mile
What sets Laura apart is how she consistently goes the extra mile. From moving to Scotland to leading in a traditionally male-dominated and often conservative sector, she has brought heart and strategic clarity to a complex role. Her humility, strength, and genuine care for both people and place make her a truly outstanding candidate for the Rural Rising Star Award.