Nominee Summary
Katrina has published her fourth children's book raising awareness of rural issues. This publication (Heather Munro's Race Against the Flames) focusses on the growing risk of wildfires and the threat these pose to landscapes, nature and communities. The book was launched in London and Edinburgh at the end of 2025 and all proceeds go to charity (The Heather Trust and the Scottish Gamekeeper's Association). Katrina also does book readings and school workshops to further understanding of the subject and has promoted the book in the media to bring the issue of wildfires to the wider public.
The preservation of skills
Katrina's books share with the young reader a number of rural skills to broaden their understanding of rural matters, such as muirburn, gamekeeping, wildlife-friendly farming and nature conservation. In her latest book, she focusses on the vital role that land managers and gamekeepers play in mitigating and addressing the wildfire risk. The book focusses on individual awareness of wildfire, effective communication amongst an estate team and bringing together the wider community to fight a wildfire (with the correct tools and training) and explains what skills need to be in place to enable collaborative working with the likes of the fire service. With heightened wildfire risk and growing awareness of issue, now is a critical time to bring the issue to as wide an audience as possible, enabling the next generation to make the right choices when in our rural spaces and respecting the work that goes into managing the countryside.
Increasing awareness
Heather Munro's Race Against the Flames has drawn attention from across the media, including BBC Radio Scotland and regional press. The book has also been widely promoted across social media throughout the UK and has also generated interest from schools and moorland groups who want to know more about the book and its author. Katrina is continuing with a number of school workshops and book readings to reach a diverse audience who are interested in upland management, conservation, wildlife and rural skills. The book also fits within several areas of the school curriculum , meaning it is an ideal vehicle to share understanding of wildfires, the risks and who they can affect. The issue of wildfire is relevant across the UK and beyond and this book is an easily accessible educational tool which gently explains wildfire, wrapped up in an adventure.
Ethical/environmental standards
The book has been produced using local businesses and independent specialists such as the illustrator Lynsay Hay (based in Perthshire) and the designer Seonaid Ross (based in Aberdeenshire). The book was digitised by a Perth reprographic company and printed in Dundee. Katrina was keen to minimise the air miles and environmental impact when producing the book and, while a cheaper print run could have been achieved overseas, she felt it was important to work with small and local businesses. In writing the book, Katrina sought guidance from gamekeepers and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to ensure it was factually correct and is 'giving back' by undertaking school visits and workshops. The proceeds from the sale of the book benefits both the Scottish Gamekeepers Association and The Heather Trust charities and the publication itself was funded by the SGA Charitable Trust. This circular arrangement ensures financial stability for both organisations while allowing both to deliver on their charitable objectives and further their educational goals.
Noteworthy improvements
The publication of this book has, and will continue to, provide a resource for individuals, families, schools and other organisations to enable a deeper understanding of wildfires in the UK. The nominee is not aware of any other children's book which tackles this subject matter and especially in such an engaging and easily accessible way. The story itself also introduces themes of responsible land management and stewardship as well as native wildlife and a deep appreciation for our upland landscapes. Katrina aims to continue with schools engagement and promote the publication at future events. The aim of the book is to educate young people (and adults) about the very real risks of wildfire which will compliment the work being done by the Scottish Wildfire Forum , the England & Wales Wildfire Forum alongside the Fire Services and land managers seeking to mitigate wildfire risk. This book (alongside previous titles by the author) are useful, accessible tools which encourage understanding of rural issues, management and skills.
Overcoming Challenges
Katrina doesn't just write her popular children's books, she manages the whole process, secures funding, liaises with all the contractors, manages the print, coordinates the media promotion and helps organise the launch events. She is also Director of The Heather Trust which is a full time position, is a mother of two and runs a successful holiday let business. In short, she is busy, but loves the challenge of writing and producing her books. A former journalist, she welcomes the opportunity to write creatively, especially as it allows her to gently educate the next generation of rural stewards. Katrina does not receive any financial gain from the sale of the books - all proceeds go to charity. On a personal level, Katrina's father was gravely ill when 'Heather Munro's Race Against the Flames' was published at the end of 2025 and, while she did have the opportunity to read him her book at his bedside, he has since passed away. He was also an author and remains a strong influence and inspiration to Katrina.
