Extraordinary commitment to rural Scotland in the spotlight as Helping it Happen Awards celebrate 10 years of trailblazers
Press Release
A charity helping young people understand farming and food production was crowned Rural Champion at Scotland's flagship rural awards last night, hosted by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE).
Emma Ruxton, of Royal Northern Countryside Initiative (RNCI) won the Rural Champion Award, receiving a prize of £10,000 to support the work of the RNCI courtesy of The Royal Countryside Fund, a UK-wide charity that works alongside farming families and rural communities to provide the support and funding they need to thrive.
The prize was presented for the first time, to mark the 10th anniversary year of the Helping it Happen Awards, which honour the businesses, community projects and individuals from across rural Scotland making an outstanding contribution to the rural economy, communities, wildlife and the environment. In all there have been 94 recipients of Helping It Happen awards since 2017, with 1,000 case studies showcasing the talent and creativity of the sector.
Organised by SLE with headline sponsor NatureScot, the glittering ceremony was attended by rural politicians and representatives from rural organisations, businesses and communities.
The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland was presented to Lady Claire Macdonald OBE, an acclaimed cook, award-winning cookery writer, and a champion of Scotland's cuisine and seasonal ingredients. Lady Macdonald pioneered the use of locally sourced ingredients long before it became popular and is a patron of Scottish Food Fortnight and the Association of Scottish Farmers’ Markets.
The Conservation Award, sponsored by Levy & McRae, was awarded to The River Dee Trust for its One Million Trees initiative, which will benefit critically endangered Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussels and other wildlife in the River Dee in the Cairngorms.
Wigtown Book Festival won the Tourism & Visitor Management Award sponsored by GLM. One of Scotland's most celebrated cultural events, Wigtown Book Festival generates an estimated £4.3 million for the local economy each year and motivates an army of volunteers to ensure the event is a success.
Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, commented: “At a time when rural Scotland faces significant economic, environmental and social challenges, these awards demonstrate the scale of innovation, resilience and leadership being shown by individuals, businesses and community organisations across the country.
“Whether it is supporting mental wellbeing, tackling climate change, educating young people or creating new economic opportunities, every winner demonstrates that rural Scotland is not standing still. It is adapting, investing and leading.
“It has been a privilege over the past ten years to celebrate the individuals, businesses and community projects making such a positive difference across rural Scotland. Together, they tell a powerful story of innovation, determination and community spirit, and of a rural economy that continues to evolve and thrive.”
NatureScot Deputy Director of Green Economy, Claudia Rowse said: “When people and nature come together in the fight against climate change, we can achieve truly remarkable things. It has been a privilege to be a judge at these Helping it Happen Awards and to see so many people taking positive action for nature, climate, the economy and communities.
“I have been so impressed by the standard of applications, showcasing the energy and commitment happening right across Scotland. This year’s nominees reflect the positive and sustainable work that so many individuals, estates, farms and rural businesses are doing to support their communities and nature."
Keith Halstead, Chief Executive of the Royal Countryside Fund said: “The RCF has supported rural community groups from all over Scotland and the rest of the UK for more than 16 years and so we understand the power of communities in setting and achieving their own ambitions to improve rural life. The hard work of these organisations usually takes place far away from the limelight, so we are very proud to sponsor the Rural Champion Award to celebrate this work publicly and provide £10,000 in funding to support the amazing work of the RNCI. I would like to extend my congratulations to Emma Ruxton as well as my thanks to everyone who was shortlisted for this award, for all they do for their rural communities.”
Other winners were:
Iver Salvesen Award for Combatting Climate Change sponsored by Murray Beith Murray
to Crown Estate Scotland
Charlesfield Farms won the Rural Business Award sponsored by Shepherd & Wedderburn
The Rural Rising Star Award, sponsored by Scottish Woodlands, was awarded to Jillian Kennedy
The Education Award went to The Royal Highland Education Trust, sponsored by Terra Magna.
Penicuik House won the Rural Property Award sponsored by Bidwells
The Working with Communities Award, sponsored by The Exiteers, went to Change Mental Health
The Enhancing Our Environment through Land Management Award, sponsored by NatureScot went to Neidpath Farms Agroforestry
The Innovation in Farming Award sponsored by EQ was awarded to Ovis Wool Pellets
Farmstrong Scotland’s Blether Together Podcast took home the Good News Award, sponsored by Media House International.
Each year the Heart Awards are a particular highlight of the evening . This year’s recipients were:
Hind Sight
Honey Guild Scotland
Philphaugh Garden and Events.
Further details of the winning entries are outlined below.
Crown Estate Scotland won the Iver Salvesen Award for Combatting Climate Change sponsored by Murray Beith Murray, for its Solar North Programme, which is installing solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure across its extensive housing portfolio, delivering measurable reductions in carbon emissions while improving the energy efficiency of rural homes.
A superb example of a diversified rural estate supporting local jobs and the rural economy, Charlesfield Farms scooped the Rural Business Award sponsored by Shepherd & Wedderburn. Alongside regenerative farming, Charlesfield Farms produces renewable energy through an anaerobic digestion plant and has established a Scottish sparkling wine, Borders Bubbly. A former World War II munitions depot has been transformed into a thriving industrial estate, home to 70 local businesses involved in manufacturing, engineering, construction, creative and environmental enterprises.
Jillian Kennedy was named Rural Rising Star, sponsored by Scottish Woodlands. A highly-skilled forester and communicator, Jillian works tirelessly to foster greater understanding between farmers and foresters and to build stronger rural communities. She is National Chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs, Director of the Perthshire Agricultural Society, and a contributor to UK and European policy debates.
Demonstrating how a rural business enterprise can be fully integrated with conservation and community objectives, the Rural Property Award sponsored by Bidwells, was awarded to Penicuik House. Built in 1760 as the stable block to the original Penicuik House, it has been transformed into an exclusive-use hospitality enterprise. The refurbishment made significant use of local contractors, and the venue now employs a rapidly expanding team in its day-to-day operation. Penicuik House works as part of a cycle: hospitality income funding landscape restoration, which attracts visitors, in turn sustaining the revenue that cares for the estate. Public access and low-carbon operation remain cornerstones of the enterprise.
The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) took home the Education Award, sponsored by Terra Magna. RHET offers accessible education related to farming, food production and land management for young people across Scotland.
Change Mental Health, which chairs the National Rural and Islands Mental Health Forum took home the Working with Communities Award, sponsored by The Exiteers, for its commitment to ensure that no one faces mental illness alone, no matter where they live.
The Enhancing Our Environment through Land Management Award, sponsored by NatureScot was awarded to Neidpath Farms Agroforestry. The project involved planting more than 1,700 native broadleaved and fruit trees to help connect habitats for wildlife, increase overall farm productivity and improve climate resilience. A further 1,000 willow trees will provide additional forage for livestock that is rich in protein, cobalt and zinc.
The Innovation in Farming Award sponsored by EQ went to Ovis Wool Pellets, which has developed an innovative approach to creating new value from sheep wool by developing a range of sustainable products for agricultural, horticultural, and environmental use.
The Good News Award, sponsored by Media House International was won by Farmstrong Scotland’s Blether Together Podcast. The monthly podcast, produced by the charity Farmstrong Scotland, shines a light on the people behind Scottish farming and crofting, telling stories that are rarely heard in mainstream media.
The Heart Awards recipients were:
Hind Sight, a women-led Community Interest Company providing hands-on training in deer stalking, butchery, rifle safety and ecology, led entirely by women. The organisation is preserving vital countryside skills while opening doors for a previously under-represented demographic.
Honey Guild Scotland, the Scottish branch of the Honey Guild of the United Kingdom, has transformed how Scottish honey is understood, valued and marketed. The Guild conducted the first pollen analysis of 17 UK monofloral honeys, helping producers identify and protect the unique terroir of Scotland’s diverse floral landscapes. The work of the Guild encompasses sensory science, biodiversity and rural enterprise, encouraging greater appreciation of habitat diversity and honey quality. By raising standards, supporting local businesses and attracting international students to Scotland, Honey Guild Scotland has established the country as a recognised centre of excellence for honey expertise.
Philphaugh Garden and Events has transformed a Victorian walled garden and adjoining Kirk into a thriving rural destination with a productive nursery, workshops, wedding venue and education centre with free year-round public access. The garden employs local people, supports schools, charities and care homes, provides horticultural training opportunities, and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Environmental stewardship underpins every aspect of the project, from peat-free growing and composting to pollinator-friendly planting, bee hives and biodiversity initiatives.