News

08 Apr 2019

Scottish rural awards open for entries

Nominations for the 2019 ‘Helping It Happen’ awards are now open for business, and people across rural Scotland are being urged to share their stories of the work done by local estates, farms and land-based businesses to help their surrounding communities flourish.

In 2018, winners from the length and breadth of Scotland, from Orkney down to Selkirk and almost every region in between, took home a coveted trophy and are now encouraging other rural businesses to enter.

Enter the awards here

To celebrate the launch of the 2019 awards, David Johnstone, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, organisers of the awards, visited Philiphaugh Estate near Selkirk who won the 2018 Enhancing Our Environment Award. Their peatland restoration project caught the eye of the judges due to its efforts to link upland peatland restoration with the salmon fishing on the River Tweed.

David Johnstone said, “Rural Scotland is a hotbed of innovation, conservation and passion and the 2019 ‘Helping it Happen’ awards aim to reward the commitment of those who are helping to grow and sustain rural areas with their skills and dedication.

“We want to highlight and celebrate the significant positive contribution land-based businesses make in rural areas throughout Scotland – in particular, the ways in which they add value to support the local economy and the environment for the wider benefit of the community.

“We were incredibly proud with the success of the 2017 and 2018 awards and look forward to recognising and rewarding even more worthy businesses this year.”

Graham Bichan of Orkney Ice Cream spoke about his win in the 2018 Rural Business category. “We were absolutely delighted with our win. Our small family business has grown and diversified over many decades and we are constantly working to modernise and develop every facet to keep up with trends and industry demand. We also keep a keen eye on the future and how we can best serve our customers, the community and the environment through our production methods and business model.

“This recognition of our progressive approach and our achievements to date means a lot and we will continue to wholeheartedly support ‘Helping It Happen’ and its work to champion rural businesses throughout Scotland.”

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