Introducing the Scottish Rural Awards for 2024

The Helping it Happen Awards 2024 nominations have been launched, urging rural communities to share their success stories. The awards, organized by Scottish Land & Estates, celebrate the essential role that estates, farms, rural businesses, individuals, charities, and projects play in helping the Scottish countryside thrive.

Supported by headline sponsor NatureScot, the awards were launched at Active Kids Adventure Park in Stanley near Perth, last year’s winner of the Rural Property Award. Nominations are now open across ten categories, including Conservation, Education, Innovation in Farming, and more. The ceremony in autumn will also feature an Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland.

Sarah-Jane Laing, CEO of Scottish Land & Estates, emphasized the importance of spotlighting the contributions made by land-based organizations and individuals to rural communities. She encouraged people across Scotland to nominate deserving candidates for this year’s awards.

Claudia Rowse, Deputy Director- Green Economy at NatureScot, highlighted the inspirational efforts of individuals working to restore nature and enhance the economy of rural Scotland. The awards aim to showcase effective actions taken by land managers to improve nature.

The host of this year’s launch, Active Kids Adventure Park, was honored in 2023 for its work supporting local development, economic growth, and job creation in rural Scotland. Business Development Manager Rowland Thomson encouraged others to enter nominations for the 2024 awards.

Nominations can be submitted via the Scottish Land & Estates website until June 28, with judging to follow shortly after. The gala awards ceremony will be held in the autumn to announce the winners across the various categories.