Scotland’s rural heroes urged to step forward as landmark 10th Helping It Happen awards open
Press ReleaseNew £10,000 ‘Rural Champion’ prize launched in biggest year yet
Scotland’s rural heroes are being called into the spotlight as nominations open for the 2026 Helping It Happen Awards – with a brand new £10,000 prize up for grabs in the awards’ milestone 10th year.
Organised by Scottish Land & Estates, the awards have spent the past decade shining a light on the people, businesses and community projects powering rural Scotland.
To mark the landmark year, a major new Rural Champion Award has been unveiled – with a £10,000 prize courtesy of The Royal Countryside Fund, which has supported rural communities across the UK since 2010.
Headline sponsor NatureScot continues its support, with 13 categories recognising excellence across the rural economy, alongside the coveted Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland title.
The awards are open to all – from farms and estates to rural businesses, charities and community groups – with no requirement to be a member of Scottish Land & Estates.
Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “This is a huge year for Helping It Happen as we celebrate a decade of recognising the very best of rural Scotland – and we wanted to mark it in a way that really raises the bar.
“The new Rural Champion Award, backed by a £10,000 prize courtesy of The Royal Countryside Fund, gives us a powerful opportunity to recognise the individuals who go above and beyond for their communities. These are the people making a real difference every day, often without recognition, and this award is about putting them firmly in the spotlight.
“If you know someone who deserves that recognition, now is the time to put them forward. These awards are about celebrating the people who keep rural Scotland moving, innovating and thriving.”
The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF) has been working to empower rural communities since 2010, working across the whole of the UK to create a thriving countryside. The new Rural Champion Award will celebrate an individual who embodies this ambition, and who has made a significant, lasting impact on their rural community. More information about the award, and how to nominate, is available on the RCF website.
Ellie Burnage, Head of External Affairs at The Royal Countryside Fund said: “At The Royal Countryside Fund, we know that change can happen – because we see it every day. It starts with real people with local knowledge, passed down through generations. That’s why we work alongside farming families and rural communities – to truly understand their individual needs and provide locally based support to match. We’re so excited to be working with Scottish Land and Estates to recognise the wonderful people who make our countryside so brilliant through the new Rural Champion Award.”
The 10th annual awards were launched at Fenton Barns Nursery, a 2019 finalist. Set on a working farm near North Berwick, Fenton Barns Nursery has built its reputation around immersing children in the natural environment from their earliest years.
Nicola Simpson, owner of Fenton Barns Nursery, said: “We’re incredibly proud to help launch the 10th Helping It Happen Awards. Being recognised as a finalist previously gave our whole team a real lift and helped showcase what we do here.
“These awards shine a light on the passion, care and innovation that exists right across rural Scotland, and it’s fantastic to see that continuing in such a big anniversary year.”
Nominations for the Helping It Happen Awards 2026 are now open via the Scottish Land & Estates website, with entries closing later this summer. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony this autumn.
Award Categories for 2026:
Conservation Award sponsored by Levy & McRae
Education Award sponsored by TerraMagna
Enhancing Our Environment through Land Management Award – sponsored by NatureScot
Good News Award – sponsored by Media House International
Innovation in Farming Award – sponsored by EQ Chartered Accountants
Iver Salvesen Award for Combatting Climate Change – sponsored by Murray Beith Murray
The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland
Rural Business Award – sponsored by Shepherd + Wedderburn
Rural Champion Award - sponsored by The Royal Countryside Fund
Rural Property Award – sponsored by Bidwells
Rural Rising Star Award – sponsored by Scottish Woodlands
Tourism & Visitor Management Award – sponsored by GLM
Working with Communities Award – sponsored by The Exiteers