Rural Scotland’s unsung heroes revealed as Helping It Happen awards finalists

Press Release
10 Aug 2026

Rural Scotland’s brightest individuals, businesses and community organisations are in the spotlight once again after being named as finalists in the Helping It Happen Awards 2026.

Organised by Scottish Land & Estates and supported by headline sponsor NatureScot, the awards celebrate the innovation, determination and community spirit helping rural Scotland thrive.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Helping It Happen awards, which have attracted almost 1,000 nominations and recognised more than 100 winners since their launch.

Across 12 Helping It Happen categories, this year’s finalists have been recognised for achievements spanning conservation, education, farming, rural enterprise, tourism, community development and environmental land management.

To mark the landmark year, a major new Rural Champion Award has also been created – with a £10,000 prize courtesy of The Royal Countryside Fund, which was founded by His Majesty The King, and has supported rural and farming communities across the UK since 2010. 

The Rural Champion award will recognise an individual who has gone above and beyond, making a significant, lasting impact on their rural community in Scotland. The finalists for this award are:

  • Jillian Kennedy, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Jillian has strengthened rural communities through leadership in forestry, youth development and cross-sector collaboration. As a Senior Forest Manager and National Chair of SAYFC, she bridges farming and forestry, develops young people’s skills and confidence, and ensures rural voices are represented in national and European policy discussions.

  • Emma Ruxton, Royal Northern Countryside Initiative

For a decade, Emma Ruxton has helped the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative connect young people with farming, food production and rural life. As Chair, she has expanded educational programmes, strengthened partnerships among farmers, businesses and volunteers, and helped RNCI reach almost 20,000 children across northern Scotland in 2024/25 alone.

  • John Scott, Farmstrong Scotland

John Scott has helped build Farmstrong Scotland into a trusted, community-led wellbeing movement for farmers and crofters. Through events, practical resources and the Blether Together podcast, he has encouraged open conversations, reduced stigma and strengthened connections across rural Scotland, directly engaging more than 4,100 farmers and crofters and attracting over 102,000 website visits.

A full list of finalists is available below. At the awards ceremony in the autumn, the recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland will also be revealed.

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates and chair of the judging panel, said: “This year’s finalists embody the imagination, commitment and resilience that have made the Helping It Happen Awards so special over the past decade.

“From individuals quietly giving their time to support their neighbours to businesses and organisations delivering ambitious projects, every finalist is making a tangible difference to rural Scotland.

“The quality of entries made the judges’ task extremely difficult. We are delighted to recognise these achievements and look forward to bringing everyone together for a very special 10th anniversary celebration in October.”

Keith Halstead, Chief Executive, The Royal Countryside Fund, said: “For over 15 years now, we’ve worked alongside rural community groups from all over Scotland and the rest of the UK and we’ve seen first-hand what a powerful impact they can have, particularly in more isolated farming communities. These organisations are invariably made up of hard-working and dedicated people who are committed to their local communities. Their work is absolutely essential and takes place far away from the limelight.

 “We’re really proud to be sponsoring the Rural Champion Award, which is all about recognising and celebrating these people who make rural life so special. It was a pleasure to read so many excellent applications and I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone who was entered for the award, and especially these three shortlisted individuals.”

Nature Scot's Deputy Director of Green Economy and judge on the Helping it Happen panel, 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."

A LANDMARK CELEBRATION

The winners will be announced at the Helping It Happen Awards ceremony and dinner on Thursday 1 October 2026 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

The black-tie event will bring together rural businesses, land managers, community representatives and industry leaders to celebrate the people and projects shaping rural Scotland’s future.

Tickets and tables can be booked through the Scottish Land & Estates website.

The finalists for the Helping it Happen Awards 2026 are as follows. Full case studies are available via the hyperlinks. 

Conservation Award – sponsored by Levy & McRae

  • Borders Forest Trust - Restoring native woodlands and wild landscapes across southern Scotland, strengthening biodiversity, connecting habitats and engaging communities in landscape-scale conservation.

  • River Tweed Commission - Led a major partnership to restore fish passage at Ettrick Marshes, enhancing biodiversity and strengthening the river’s long-term resilience.

  • The River Dee Trust – The trust’s One Million Trees campaign is restoring riverside woodland to protect Atlantic salmon, enhance biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience.

  • Watershed Connections Project - Atlantic Salmon Trust’s Watershed Connections Project unites catchment partnerships across the UK to restore river habitats, build climate resilience and protect endangered wild Atlantic salmon.

Education Award – sponsored by Terra Magna

  • Border Union Agricultural Society Schools Countryside Day – Gives every Primary 5 pupil in the Scottish Borders hands-on learning about farming, food and rural life.

  • Inclusive Farm at MacRobert - Founded by blind farmer Mike Duxbury, Inclusive Farm Scotland at MacRobert provides agricultural training for people with disabilities and diverse needs, building confidence, skills and rural career prospects.

  • Pathways to Rural Work - Countryside Learning Scotland’s Pathways to Rural Work initiative equips young people with practical skills, creating sustainable careers and strengthening rural businesses and communities.

  • Royal Highland Education Trust- The Royal Highland Education Trust connects young people with farming, food and land management through practical experiences, inspiring understanding of Scotland’s rural economy and environment.

Enhancing our Environment through Land Management Award - sponsored by NatureScot

  • Fair Feast CIC - Transforming culled deer from overpopulated areas into venison parcels for people facing food insecurity, with public sales funding matched food-bank donations.

  • Loch Katrine Peatland Restoration - Restoring over 200 hectares of peatland, improving water quality, storing carbon, enhancing biodiversity and reducing treatment costs.

  • Neidpath Farms Agroforestry - Tweed Forum and Neidpath Farms have created one of Scotland’s largest agroforestry projects, planting more than 1,800 trees to enhance productivity, habitats and climate resilience.

  • Tweed Invasives Project - The Tweed Invasives Project has united landowners and communities for 25 years, tackling invasive species across 300 miles of watercourse and protecting biodiversity.

Good News Award - sponsored by Media House International

  • Blether Together Podcast -  Farmstrong Scotland’s Blether Together podcast shares honest stories and practical wellbeing advice, helping farmers, crofters and their families live and work well.

  • Dumfries & Galloway What’s Going On? - Dumfries and Galloway What’s Going On is a free community platform sharing local news, events and information while promoting the region worldwide.

  • Councillor Geva Blackett - Councillor Geva Blackett’s Christmas hampers and Wild Cooks initiative provide families with local food while teaching young people game-cooking skills and building community spirit.

  • Tweed Salmon Festival - The Tweed Salmon Festival celebrates the River Tweed’s cultural, environmental and economic importance, strengthening community ties and attracting national attention to rural Scotland.

Innovation in Farming Award – sponsored by EQ Chartered Accountants

  • Isle of Mull Cheese - Isle of Mull Cheese has developed an innovative way to transform whey from its family-run dairy into a range of spirits and liqueurs.

  • Lower Mill of Tynet Farm - Lower Mill of Tynet Farm combines egg production and a micro-dairy with direct sales of fresh milk and ice cream through its 24-hour farm shop, providing a unique service in Banffshire.

  • Ovis Wool Pellets - Aberdeenshire business Ovis transforms underused sheep wool into sustainable pellets, mulch mats and liners, improving soil performance while supporting farming and the circular economy.

Iver Salvesen Award for Combatting Climate Change – sponsored by Murray Beith Murray

  • Crown Estate Scotland Solar - Crown Estate Scotland’s Solar North programme combines solar power, battery storage and smart energy technology, cutting emissions and providing a scalable model for rural decarbonisation.

  • IndiNature - IndiNature has scaled production of carbon-storing hemp insulation, cutting construction emissions while rebuilding UK supply chains and supporting farmers and rural diversification.

  • Sisaltech Ltd - Sisaltech creates low-carbon, breathable insulation from natural and recycled fibres, including sheep’s wool, reducing waste and emissions while providing a circular solution for traditional buildings.

Rural Business Award – sponsored by Shepherd + Wedderburn

  • Newhall Estate - Newhall Estate has transformed former agricultural buildings into an award-winning wedding and events destination, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and funding environmental and heritage work.

  • RM and JF Seed LTD - RM & JF Seed Ltd combines generations of contract-farming experience with modern methods, managing 7,000 acres sustainably while producing high-quality crops.

  • Tarrant Refrigeration - Tarrant Refrigeration has grown from a one-man dairy refrigeration business into a diverse rural enterprise serving the dairy, game, brewing and renewable-energy sectors.

  • Trevor Jackson, Charlesfield - Charlesfield Farms combines regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, a distillery, vineyard and industrial estate to support 70 businesses and create rural employment.

Rural Property Award - sponsored by Bidwells

  • Knockbain Church - Oberlanders Architects and Interior35 have transformed Knockbain Church into a vibrant design, retail and café destination while preserving the historic building’s architectural integrity.

  • MAKAR - MAKAR’s rapidly assembled, net-zero Paradigm home uses Scottish timber and natural materials to offer an affordable housing solution for rural and island communities.

  • Penicuik House - Penicuik House is transforming its historic estate through regenerative hospitality, restoring heritage buildings, landscape and nature while creating a sustainable future for the property.

  • SCD Community Housing Project - Strathdearn Community Developments delivered six permanently affordable, energy-efficient, community-owned homes, helping local people remain in the village and strengthening its long-term resilience. 

Rural Rising Star Award - sponsored by Scottish Woodlands

  • Hailey Thomson - Hailey, a young gamekeeper at Chirnside Hall Hotel, has turned her training into a rural career through exceptional dedication, enthusiasm and passion for the countryside.

  • Jillian Kennedy - Senior Forest Manager Jillian Kennedy bridges farming and forestry, leads complex projects and strengthens rural communities through influential industry, youth and policy roles.

  • Lauren Houstoun - Lauren Houstoun co-founded Glenkilrie Larder, transforming farm-reared venison, beef and lamb into a thriving business supplying markets, hotels, cookery classes and schools.

Tourism & Visitor Management Award – sponsored by GLM

  • Bird Gardens Scotland - Bird Gardens Scotland protects endangered and threatened birds through conservation breeding programmes while inspiring visitors to support wildlife conservation and sustainable living.

  • Logan Botanic Gardens - Logan Botanic Garden offers an exceptional visitor experience, attracting more than 30,000 people annually while supporting jobs and tourism in south-west Scotland.

  • Queensberry Estate - Queensberry Estate and Drumlanrig Castle blend heritage, nature and adventure to deliver high-quality, year-round visitor experiences, supporting regional tourism and community engagement while safeguarding the estate’s landscape and historic character.

  • Wigtown Book Festival- Wigtown Book Festival attracts more than 8,000 visitors, generates £4.3 million for the local economy and strengthens rural tourism in Scotland’s National Book Town.

Working with Communities Award - sponsored by The Exiteers

  • Change Mental Health - Change Mental Health’s National Rural and Islands Mental Health Forum connects 496 members to challenge stigma, share effective practice and shape national policy.

  • The Country Food Trust - The Country Food Trust collects and processes game birds from participating shoots, providing nutritious, protein-rich food to foodbanks, community kitchens and homeless shelters.

  • The Cumnock Tryst - The Cumnock Tryst brings world-class artists and East Ayrshire communities together through its annual festival, year-round concerts, workshops and musical education opportunities.

Rural Champion Award, with £10,000 prize from The Royal Countryside Fund

  • Jillian Kennedy, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Jillian has strengthened rural communities through leadership in forestry, youth development and cross-sector collaboration. As a Senior Forest Manager and National Chair of SAYFC, she bridges farming and forestry, develops young people’s skills and confidence, and ensures rural voices are represented in national and European policy discussions.

  • Emma Ruxton, Royal Northern Countryside Initiative

For a decade, Emma Ruxton has helped the Royal Northern Countryside Initiative connect young people with farming, food production and rural life. As Chair, she has expanded educational programmes, strengthened partnerships among farmers, businesses and volunteers, and helped RNCI reach almost 20,000 children across northern Scotland in 2024/25 alone.

  • John Scott, Farmstrong Scotland

John Scott has helped build Farmstrong Scotland into a trusted, community-led wellbeing movement for farmers and crofters. Through events, practical resources and the Blether Together podcast, he has encouraged open conversations, reduced stigma and strengthened connections across rural Scotland, directly engaging more than 4,100 farmers and crofters and attracting over 102,000 website visits.

The Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland award

  • Winner will be announced at the awards ceremony