Three finalists from Badenoch and Strathspey named in national awards

Three nominations from Badenoch and Strathspey are among the finalists in the national Helping It Happen Awards 2021.

Now in its fifth year, the accolades have become firmly established in recognising the role of estates, businesses and community groups who are helping rural Scotland thrive.

The awards are managed by rural business organisation, Scottish Land & Estates and sponsored by GLM.

The Communities Housing Trust, Aviemore, is one of three projects shortlisted for the Rural Housing Award category.

The competition organisers state: "The charity works with communities to provide affordable housing and amenities in remote and rural places throughout central and northern Scotland.

"They take a collaborative, partnership approach which was demonstrated in the Old Sawmill project at Rothiemurchus Estate, an excellent example of a win-win collaboration on estate land to secure affordable housing using self-build within the Cairngorms National Park."

Rothiemurcus Estate, also near Aviemore has been cited in the Tourism and Visitor Management Award category, sponsored by GLM.

The estate "presents a unique blend of stunning landscapes, exciting outdoor activities, and locally sourced Scottish crafts and foods. Visitors may choose simply to walk or cycle around our carefully maintained paths, taking in the spectacular scenery.

"They can also take part in some of the many outdoor activities on offer."

Cited among Conservation Award nominations is the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

A diverse range of highly committed partners from private estates, volunteer groups, businesses, public agencies and charities are working together through the project with a shared endeavour to overcome challenges and create new solutions to help secure a long-term future for capercaillie in the UK.

"It's possible that there are now less than 1,000 capercaillie left in the UK. Almost all of them live in the Cairngorms National Park. Action is therefore critical to prevent extinction in the UK and build a long- term future for the species."

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “After another difficult year for many businesses and individuals, the entries in the Helping it Happen Awards have shown how resilient, resourceful and passionate individuals, rural businesses and organisations are in order to make a positive contribution to society.

"With five Highland entries, it’s clear that the region is home to people and organisations which benefit those in the area and across Scotland by providing housing, tourism or helping Scotland meet its environmental goals."

The 10 categories include a new Business Resilience Award.

The winners will be announced in a live virtual ceremony on October 27 at 7pm, which anyone is welcome to tune into via the Scottish Land & Estates website.

Finalists 2021

Rural Business Award:

Jas P Wilson, Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway

Macleod Construction, Lochgilphead, Argyll

The Wee Scottish Cider Company with Kingcausie Estate, Deeside, Aberdeenshire

Tourism & Visitor Management Award:

Delgatie Castle Trust, Turriff, Aberdeenshire

Discover Scottish Gardens, Scotland-wide

Rothiemurcus Estate, near Aviemore

Education Award:

Bells Brae Primary, Lerwick, Shetland

Fresh Start – The Princes Foundation at Dumfries House, Cumnock, Ayrshire

Ringlink Scotland Ltd, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire

Conservation Award:

Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, Cairngorms National Park

Rottal Estates, Kirriemuir, Angus

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh International Conifer Conservation Project

Business Resilience Award:

Ferry Fish, Carsluith, Creetown, Dumfries & Galloway

Kula Coffee Hut on Duffus Estate near Elgin, Moray

Midton Acrylics, Lochgilphead, Argyll

Rural Housing Award:

Atholl Estates, Blair Atholl, Perthshire

Communities Housing Trust, Aviemore

Hudson Hirsel, Coldstream, Scottish Borders

Richmond Fellowship Scotland, Todhill, Ayrshire

Innovation in Farming Award:

Finlay’s Cream of Galloway Farm/The Ethical Dairy, at Rainton Farm, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway

Hugh Grierson Organic, Newmiln Farm, Perth

Mossgiel Farm, Mauchline, East Ayrshire

Iver Salveson Award for Combatting Climate Change:

Balbeg Country Holidays, Balbeg Estate, Maybole, Ayrshire

Clyde Climate Forest Project, Glasgow

Forth Resource Management, North Berwick, East Lothian

Enhancing our Environment through Land Management Award:

Cardney Estate near Dunkeld, Perth & Kinross

Pat Wilson Farms Lochrosque, Wester Ross, Highland

Tweed Forum and Wemyss and March Estate, Scottish Borders

Working with Communities Award:

Bunloit Rewilding Limited, Drumnadrochit, Highland

Cockenzie House & Gardens, Cockenzie and Port Seton, East Lothian

Scourie Community Development Company, Sutherland, Highland

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