MORE THAN 200 business owners and industry leaders from across the rural sector joined together at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh last night for an evening celebrating rural success at the second annual Helping It Happen Awards. Hosted by Scottish Land and Estates and sponsored by The MacRobert Trust, the awards – which were presented for the first time last year – were billed as 'shining a light on the passionate work carried out by farms, estates and land-based businesses to help their local communities thrive'.

The event was compered by Scottish sprinter George McNeill, and attendees at the dinner also played their part by raising money for charity partners RSABI and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Ahead of the Awards ceremony, a shortlist of three finalists for each of nine categories had been announced, with the winners revealed last night. Scottish Land and Estates executive director Sarah-Jane Laing congratulated all the winners, finalists and entrants.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the volume and calibre of entries submitted for the Helping It Happen Awards this year," said Ms Laing. "To have such strong support and endorsement for the campaign in its second year is inspiring.

“The 2018 winners have demonstrated that the rural sector is thriving with passionate, innovative forward-looking rural businesses who are providing economic, social and environmental benefits to the countryside. Their contribution to the Scottish economy and the benefits they provide to local communities are obvious, and we are proud to recognise them at our Awards.”

The 2018 Winner of the Rural Business Award, Graham Bichan of Orkney Ice Cream, commented: “This is our first year being nominated in the Helping It Happen Awards and we are 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, as well as keeping an 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.”

The complete categories and 2018 winners were:

  • Tourism Award, sponsored by Gift of Grouse: Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, Isle of Skye, for restoration and development work.
  • Rural Business Award, sponsored by Turcan Connell: Orkney Ice Cream, Kirkwall, for continued development of all aspects of the business.
  • Rural Housing Award, sponsored by Clarendon: Annandale Estates, Lockerbie, for Raehills Farm housing development.
  • Education Award, sponsored by Lycetts: Hirsel Estate, Coldstream, for their field to fork schools project.
  • The MacRobert Trust Award for Working with Communities: Angus Glens and Grampian Moorland Groups for their Game for Giving initiative.
  • Conservation Award, sponsored by Anderson Strathern: Drimnin Estate for their diverse conservation schemes.
  • The Iver Salvesen Green Business Award: Stracathro Estates, Laurencekirk, for commitment to renewable energy schemes.
  • Innovation in Farming Award, sponsored by Douglas Home and Co: Mossgiel Farm Organic Dairy, Mauchline, for continued innovation of sustainable, organic practices.
  • Enhancing our Environment Award, sponsored by Bell Ingram: Philiphaugh Estate & Tweed Forum, Selkirk, for peatland restoration work.

Helping It Happen will open nominations for its 2019 National Awards in the spring.