Scotland’s rural stars are invited to step into the spotlight as nominations open for the 2025 Helping It Happen Awards.
Organised by Scottish Land & Estates, the prestigious awards are now in their ninth year and shine a spotlight on the vital contribution made by estates, farms, businesses, individuals, charities and community projects in helping rural Scotland thrive.
Returning headline sponsor NatureScot continues to support the initiative, with 12 award categories recognising innovation, sustainability, and positive rural impact. A special Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland award will also be presented at the gala ceremony in autumn.
A new category for 2025—the Good News Award—has also been introduced to recognise a journalist, author or content creator who has shone a positive spotlight on rural Scotland through original work across print, broadcast, digital or social media platforms.
The awards are open to anyone, from local community organisations to independent businesses, third-sector conservation organisations, as well as farms, estates and national organisations. There is no requirement to be a Scottish Land & Estates member to enter.
Sarah-Jane Laing, CEO of Scottish Land & Estates, said:
“The Helping It Happen Awards aim to spotlight the essential contributions made by land-based organisations, community groups, charities and individuals to rural communities throughout Scotland, and I’m delighted that the nomination process for 2025 is now underway.
“From enhancing biodiversity and local economies to innovation in land management and tourism, these awards celebrate the diverse and inspiring work that often goes unrecognised. We encourage everyone to nominate those making a real difference across rural Scotland.”
Claudia Rowse, Deputy Director – Green Economy at NatureScot, said:
“Each year, the Helping It Happen Awards highlight the inspirational people restoring nature and supporting thriving rural economies. With the urgent need to enhance biodiversity and tackle climate change impacts, we look forward to seeing more pioneering and collaborative entries in 2025.”
This year’s Helping it Happen awards were launched at Claxton’s Whisky on the Dalswinton Estate near Dumfries – the 2024 winner of the prestigious Rural Business Award.
Since 2018, Claxton’s Whisky and Dalswinton Estate have forged a partnership rooted in sustainability, innovation, and rural regeneration. Together, they’ve revitalised disused buildings into a thriving whisky business, creating jobs and investing over £3 million in new bonded warehousing. Claxton’s is now embedded in the estate and local community, championing a modern, responsible rural business model.
Peter Landale, owner of Dalswinton Estate, said:
“Dalswinton has always been a place of innovation and stewardship, and it’s a privilege to see that spirit continued through partnerships like ours with Claxton’s Whisky. The Helping It Happen Awards reflect the same ethos—celebrating people who care deeply about the future of rural Scotland. We’re proud to host this year’s launch and to play our part in supporting a thriving countryside.”
Adrian Hoose, Managing Director at Claxton’s Whisky, added:
“We’re delighted to welcome the launch of the Helping It Happen Awards to Claxton’s and Dalswinton. Our journey here has always been rooted in quality, sustainability, and working closely with the local community. These awards highlight the very best of rural Scotland, and winning an award last year gave our team a real sense of pride and recognition—it helped raise our profile and showcased our products to a wider audience.”
Nominations for the Helping It Happen Awards 2025 are now open via the Scottish Land & Estates website (https://www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen), with entries closing later this summer. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony this autumn.
Award Categories for 2025:
- Conservation Award
- Education Award
- 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 Property Award – sponsored by Bidwells
- Rural Rising Star Award – – sponsored by Scottish Woodlands
- Tourism & Visitor Management Award – sponsored by GLM
- Working with Communities Award